DEFEATED Tory candidate Mark Formosa may stand again at the next General Election in Taunton Deane.

Conservative leaders locally hold him in high esteem and say he only lost because of Labour supporters voting tactically for Jeremy Browne.

And, according to his campaign spokesman, Mr Formosa has already been sounded out over whether he would like to fight the seat again.

John Thorne said Mr Formosa was in Cornwall sorting out his mother’s affairs following her funeral on Monday.

Mr Thorne added: “The constituency association have already approached Mark and asked him if he would like to stand again.

“The Wellington branch would dearly love him to stand again – he’s been such a good, hardworking candidate and it’s accepted that he’s performed.

“From Mark’s point of view, he’s taking some time out to think about it.

“He feels he’s had tremendous support locally and doesn’t want to abandon the constituency.”

Chairman Richard Dickinson said Taunton Constituency Conservative Association would meet shortly, when “the position regarding Mark will be fully considered”.

He added: “Informal discussions have taken place.

“Mark fought an excellent campaign and secured a high level of votes.

“Had it not been for the fact that there was substantial tactical voting by Labour in favour of the LibDems, almost certainly we would have taken the seat.

“No decisions have been taken.

“Mark is extremely well regarded and there are people who would like him to stand again.”