Speculation hots up in Suffolk as election candidates chosen

Speculation has been rising that Rishi Sunak could call a general election on May 2 - the same day that we will be voting for a Police and Crime Commissioner and voters in Ipswich will be choosing a third of the borough council.

If he does go for that date, parliament would have to be dissolved by March 26, Tuesday week, but the date will have to be announced before then to give time to pass tidying-up legislation.

Some political campaign managers are preparing for the possibility of an announcement next Monday - March 18 - in a bid to be prepared.

However many politicians still think autumn is more likely - Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he still expected the election to be later in the year and had heard no gossip in Westminster that convinced him an earlier poll was on the cards.

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter has been chosen as Labour candidate for Suffolk Coastal, a seat where the party came second in 2019.

She grew up near Woodbridge and is currently Managing Director at national communications agency, Cratus Group.

Speaking of her selection, Ms Riddell-Carpenter said: “I am honoured to be selected as Labour’s candidate for Suffolk Coastal.

"The local issues are personal priorities for me. Suffolk Coastal is the constituency I grew up in – its where I lived, went to school, and had my first part time jobs before going to university.

"My dad still lives in the constituency, and my mum lives in a care home in Ipswich."

Meanwhile Reform UK - which grew out of the Brexit Party - has chosen Beverley England to contest the South Suffolk seat. 

South Suffolk Reform UK candidate Beverley England. (Image: Reform UK)

She said: "I moved to South Suffolk last year as I enjoy the countryside, walking every day with my dog plus the move gave me an opportunity to refurbish a neglected barn.

"My business, in commercial and high spec residential interior design, has been running now for over 30 years and clients have included the Houses of Parliament."