With Edward Timpson announcing his intention to stand down ahead of the next election, the somewhat solid Tory seat of Chester South and Eddisbury is now up for grabs. Guido understands neighbouring Crewe and Nantwich MP, Kieran Mullan, has been putting his name forward in local conversations. The justification for such a decision: a single ward has moved to the Eddisbury seat (now Chester South and Eddisbury) in the boundary review.

A quick look at the polls is all you need to see why Kieran really might want to jump ship. Polling aggregator UK Polling Report forecasts Crewe and Nantwich to go red, whilst Eddisbury is sitting on a much less marginal majority.

If Kieran gets his way, it won’t go down well with his local party. He’s already pledged to stand for re-election…

However, he won’t be unopposed. Frozen food nepo baby and eco-loon extraordinaire Richard Walker is also in the running for the seat. He’s seen as a strong candidate with solid links in the area, so will give Mullan a run for his money – though, as an existing MP, Mullan will receive priority. Co-conspirators hoping for a speedy resolution may be out of luck – any decision is unlikely to be finalised before the local elections. Guido approached Mullan for comment. One to watch…