FORMER Tatton Independent MP Martin Bell has not completely ruled out standing in Macclesfield at the next general election.

Bell has told the Express he would be interested in taking on Sir Nick Winterton MP in the latest twist to the saga regarding the much-debated London second-home.

But the 69-year-old says his age is likely to rule out a challenge.

The ex-war correspondent who took on, and defeated, Neil Hamilton in Tatton in 1997 after the cash-for-questions scandal, says he has received a number of calls urging him to challenge for a seat in the house.

When asked if he would stand against Sir Nicholas Winterton he said: "I am 70 this year. If I wasn’t as old I might be interested but it is highly unlikely."

Cheshire residents have approached the UNICEF ambassador following the East/West unitary authority split claiming that their MPs badly represented them and they want something done.

He said: "I have had a lot of people asking me to stand because of the re-organisation. Everyone is up in arms about this thing. They feel to some extent let down by their MPs."

Mr Bell is planning on taking the East/West split decision to a House of Lords Select Committee.

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