The search for a replacement for Dr Dan Poulter as Conservative candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich at the next election is expected to get underway within the next two weeks.

And it is thought that up to 70 potential candidates could apply for the chance to contest what still looks like one of the safest Tory seats in Parliament.

Among those planning to seek the nomination to contest the seat is East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder - who was cabinet member for the environment on the council before the Conservatives lost power last May.

East Anglian Daily Times: East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder is hoping to stand for the Tories in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder is hoping to stand for the Tories in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. (Image: James Mallinder)

He had unsuccessfully sought the nomination to contest the new Waveney Valley seat and said he was hopeful of winning this time because he was keen to represent a Suffolk constituency.

Mr Mallinder said: "It is very important to me to contest a Suffolk seat - I want to represent the area that I live in. I don't want to be an MP just anywhere."

He said he knew the area well as his own ward is in Suffolk Coastal, but much of East Suffolk is in the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency.

Dr Poulter announced at the weekend that he would not be standing again and that he was joining the Labour Party because of his concerns about the NHS.

Mr Mallinder is expecting adverts inviting people to apply for the nomination to be published within a fortnight.

Dr Poulter had a majority of 23,000 at the last general election - and the seat appears to be one of the safer seats still looking for candidates although some polls have suggested it could be vulnerable at the election.

Mr Mallinder said: "I'm sure it will be tempting to people from across the country, even for MPs whose seats are going in boundary changes - but I hope the fact I'm a local person who really wants to represent my home area counts in the selection process."

Over the last few months there have been a flurry of seats selecting candidates and the number of applicants has dwindled, but there are still likely to many seeking nomination for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.