He dismissed an article in satirical magazine Punch that he'd 'gone back on his promise' not to stand again.

The article appears in the latest edition of the magazine which is owned by Harrod's boss Mohamed Al Fayed.

It claims Mr Bell has reneged on his promise and could be facing a fresh battle with Neil Hamilton at the next general election.

But yesterday (Tuesday) both Mr Bell and local Tories scotched the rumours and insisted: Once was enough.

"If anyone asks," said Mr Bell. "It's a load of rubbish."

Conservative agent Peter McDowell also poured scorn on the notion that support for Mr Hamilton within the association could see him return to the fray in 2002.

"We're moving on with the selection process and Neil's name is not in it," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.