James Cracknell stands as Tory MP - how Labour and Lib Dems reacted

On Monday, ex-Olympian James Cracknell was named as the man the city’s Tory association hopes will keep hold of Mr Quince’s 9,000-strong majority.

He has plenty of ideas and is keen to get stuck into city life to learn what makes the people of Colchester tick.

But his opposition already knows the city well.

Liberal Democrat candidate Martin Goss warned: “It never goes down well with Colchester residents when somebody is sent in from outside who clearly won’t have any clue about Colchester.

“He has no pedigree here, didn’t go to school here, and doesn’t work here.”

Candidate - Mile End councillor Martin Goss

The Mile End councillor has lived in the city for more than 40 years – 16 of which he has served as a councillor.

Labour’s Pam Cox, who has lived in Colchester for 26 years and is a professor at Essex University, echoed his sentiments.

“I think it’s surprising that the Conservative Party has gone for someone who knows so little about Colchester and that they’ve parachuted in an outside candidate when there was some local interest,” she said.

Local - Labour candidate Pam Cox has lived in the city for 26 years (Image: Newsquest)

There were about 40 applications to be Colchester’s next Tory candidate, including Rural North councillor Darius Laws who publicly declared his intention to apply.

The Green Party is yet to announce its parliamentary candidate but Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher, who previously ran for the seat, feels it is “important Colchester has an MP that has a connection to the city”.

The city’s seat in the House of Commons was held by Lib Dem Sir Bob Russell for 18 years until the incumbent Mr Quince won for the Tories in 2015.

Stalwart - High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell

Sir Bob, who is now retired from party politics but serves as Colchester’s High Steward, told the Gazette: “While I am aware of his Olympic triumphs, I am not aware of any Colchester connection. I would prefer Colchester to be represented in the House of Commons by someone who knows Colchester.

“That said, I wish all the best to whoever is elected as Colchester’s MP at the next General Election. If they wish to contact me to chat about my experience as Colchester’s MP then I will happily meet them, regardless of which party they represent.”

Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester Council’s Conservative group, thinks Mr Cracknell is “an absolutely fantastic candidate”.

“His record speaks for itself as he clearly doesn’t do losing and he will make a great MP. We are lucky to have him and I very much look forward to working with him,” Mr Dundas added.