THE Harwich and North Essex constituency is considered a safe seat for the Tories – and the odds suggest Bernard Jenkin could hold his position for the third General Election in a row.

In 2010 the constituency saw the Conservative backbencher win with 23,001 votes – which was 11,447 more than Liberal Democrat candidate James Raven.

In the 2015 election Mr Jenkin was re-elected with a majority of 15,174 over Labour’s Edward Browne so it is no surprise he is odd-on favourite this year.

The Liberal Democrat candidate Dominic Graham also stood in 2015, but polled 21,146 votes fewer than Mr Jenkin.

Mr Graham has been selected to fight against plans to axe the Harwich minor injuries unit and walk-in centre at Colchester Hospital.

Former science teacher Rosalind Scott is Labour’s candidate. She has three years’ experience in local government as a borough councillor for Wivenhoe.

Stephen Todd is standing for the Christian People’s Alliance.

The election will also see two political newcomers.

Ukip’s candidate is 18-year-old Aaron Hammond who recently stood for the Brexit party in the Essex County Council elections. and Blake Roberts, who has lived in the constituency all of this life, is standing as the Green candidate.

The 24-year-old stood in last year’s local elections in the Rural North Division, where the Greens came second.

This year's candidates are: 

Dominic Graham - Liberal Democrats 

Stephen Todd - Christian Peoples Alliance

Bernard Jenkin - Conservatives

Blake Roberts - Green Party

Rosalind Scott - Labour

Aaron Hammond - Ukip 

For the full top trumps article see this week's Standard out tomorrow.