IPSWICH is set to become a battleground for the political big guns after the son of former MP Jamie Cann announced he wants to stand at the next General Election.
IPSWICH is set to become a battleground for the political big guns after the son of former MP Jamie Cann announced he wants to stand at the next General Election.
Andrew Cann, currently deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats at Suffolk County Council, has revealed he will stand for nomination as his party's prospective parliamentary candidate.
His announcement comes just days after Ben Gummer, son of former cabinet minister John Gummer, got the nod as the Tory candidate following a selection event.
Should Andrew Cann win the right to stand it will mean current Labour MP Chris Mole facing the prospect of battle with two candidates with impressive political pedigree.
Andrew's father Jamie Cann was leader of Ipswich Borough Council prior to becoming Labour MP for Ipswich from 1992 until his death in 2001.
Ben's father John Gummer, current MP for Suffolk Coastal, is a former cabinet minister having been made Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1989 before becoming Secretary of State for the Environment under John Major in 1993.
If he is to go head-to-head with Chris Mole and Ben Gummer at the next election, Andrew Cann will first have to be successful in the Liberal Democrat selection process due to get under way next month.
Mr Cann said: “Ipswich has had an enviable history of MPs which unfortunately came to an end with the death of my father.
“What I believe Ipswich needs again, and I would provide, is a strong and approachable MP who fights for Ipswich.
“An MP should not just be vote fodder, but should make real and permanent improvements in their constituency, always putting local people above their own political career.”
It is understood Andrew Cann is the only Liberal Democrat so far to throw their hat in the ring for selection.
Once the process gets underway next month an advert will be placed inviting potential candidates to put their names forward.
This will be followed by hustings before local party members decide which candidate to plump for.
n.Are you excited by the potential clash of the big guns or is politics a turn-off? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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