Preparations ramp up for May's Colchester Council elections

Political groups have begun to select their candidates for a crucial council election, which will decide who runs the council until the next borough election in 2022.

At the moment the borough’s Progressive Alliance is running a minority administration, with 13 Lib Dem, and 11 Labour members. The Conservative opposition holds 23 seats, Independents, three and the Green Party, one.

Veteran councillor Mike Hogg has announce he will defend his St John’s and St Anne’s seat, despite last year being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Mr Hogg, who was first elected to represent the ward 34 years ago, said: “This time last year my future looked pretty bleak having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease for which there is no cure.

“However, with an exercise, diet and drug regime I have learned to manage the condition.

“With the support of my partner Helen Chuah, family, colleagues and my consultant I have decided to put myself forward for one last four year term so as to continue my services to my fellow ward residents.

“The thought of a future of continuous decorating and daytime television does not appeal to me.”

Former Tory leader and exCastle ward councillor Darius Laws is hoping to secure his return to frontline politics in May.

He will replace Christopher Arnold as the party’s candidate in Rural North ward where he plans to move his young family in the near future.

Mr Laws said he would be willing to return to the group’s leadership team if called upon.

“I am not going to be barging my way back in but I am happy to have the chance and will do anything required,” he said.

“The time out has been quite useful for me but I am looking forward to getting back into it and looking at the challenges Colchester faces.”

Colchester Labour has announced Prof Pamela Cox, a University of Essex lecturer, will contest the New Town and Christchurch seat.

Nominations will be confirmed in the second week of April.