It is now six months since Mr Bracken, an ex-army major, told the Guardian he was thinking of standing - as a Labour candidate.

But speculation rose again on Monday, following the announcement of a Tory short-list of prospective parliamentary candidates for Tatton.

Mr Bracken said: "I would be happy to throw my hat into the ring, but I am by no means a certain contender.

"What I intend to do is to take soundings around the Tatton Labour group, and if they say I might make a reasonable candidate then I will bow to that and be grateful for the chance."

Mr Bracken, who married MP Martin Bell's daughter Melissa last year, has been a member of the Labour Party since before his army days.

But Martin Bell says he won't put on a red rosette if his son-in-law decides to stand.

He added: "I wish him all the best, and would applaud his effort, because it contributes to the practice of democracy.

"But I am an independent and I will remain an independent, even after the election."

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