SIR Bob Russell has been nominated as High Steward of Colchester – by the man who took his seat in the general election.

Will Quince, Colchester’s Tory MP, wants Lib Dem Sir Bob to be recognised for his decades of service to his home town.

The ceremonial post with Colchester Council, representing the town at events, has been vacant since 2009.

Mr Quince said: “After serving the town for that long, we need to say thank you.

“I was looking for a fitting tribute to Sir Bob, not just for his years as MP, but his time in local government before that.

“The idea of High Steward came up in conversation with alderman Sonia Lewis. I did a bit of researching and from what I can see, there is precedent for a longserving MP to be in the role.

“Sir Bob and I disagreed politically and ideologically, but you can’t disagree with the sheer amount of hard work and effort he has ploughed into the town.

“He has done Colchester a public service and although this would be a role for the borough council, it would be the town saying thank you.”

Sir Bob lost his seat by almost 5,000 votes to Mr Quince.

He was vying for his fourth term in office after serving 18 years as Colchester MP.

Before that, he served on Colchester Council for more than 20 years and had stints as both mayor and leader of the council.

He was knighted for his public service three years ago.

Sir Bob said he was very flattered by the nomination.

He said: “This has come as a huge surprise.

“It is a magnanimous gesture for which I ammost grateful, especially considering the source this has come from.

“If the council is so minded, I would regard it as a huge honour.

“I would have to discuss it with my wife, but I can’t see any reason why I wouldn’t accept.”