SPECULATION over who may replace Sir Nick as Macclesfield’s MP is rife.

Bollington-born Terry Waite CBE – held hostage in Lebanon between 1987 and 1991 while an envoy for the Church of England – has confirmed he is considering the role, and rumours abound that former Coronation Street heart-throb Adam Rickitt could run for the Conservatives.

David Freear, chairman of the Conservative Association, says he has received enquiries from at least one resident bout inclusion in the candidacy list, but will not reveal a name.

He said: "We have had some local interest. Anyone can apply now, but I cannot really speculate as we are reliant on the offical process and national list. But the safest seats, like Macclesfield, tend to attract the best candidates from across the country."

Ambitious young Tory Cheshire East Macclesfield councillor Darryl Beckford is thinking seriously about running.

The keen blogger said: "I definitely wouldn’t rule it out.

"There are two types of MPs, the careerists and those who really want to represent their area, and I feel Sir Nick did really care for his constituents and we need that type of MP again."

Coun Frank Keegan, deputy leader of CEC, said he thought Coun Beckford was too "young and inexperienced" for the job – and reckons his own candidacy is unlikely as he is too busy "shaping" the new council.

He added: "There are a few people in our cabinet who could fill the role."

James Nicholas, an independent Macclesfield councillor from 2007 to April 2009, said standing was "a possibility".

"Voters won’t forget these MPs’ misdemeanours and I hope that whenever the next general election is held, they will give smaller parties an opportunity.

"Whoever takes over from Sir Nicholas Winterton must show they are more independent than Conservative. As far as my standing is concerned, it’s possibility."

Martin Bell, who was independent MP for Tatton between 1997 and 2001 after standing against Tory Neil Hamilton on an anti-sleaze platform, said he had "no political ambitions" in Macclesfield.

"I might have had a reason to stand against Sir Nick but I am much more worried about people on the Labour side, which is much more scandalous. The expenses scandal is disgraceful on all sides."

Another possible politico is former Coronation Street hearth-throb Adam Rickitt, who made the party’s candidate shortlist in 2006 after an assured performance on BBC1’s Question Time.

At the time, Sir Nick said:"Clearly he’s quite well known, he’s articulate and the young ladies would say a good looking young man, but I hope I may be considered to be a good looking older man."