Local Liberal Democrats have been debating whether their highest profile candidate should be given another chance at the ballot box, after the 55-year-old saw his 23,000 majority turn into a 3,000-vote defeat to the Tories in May.

However, newbury.net understands that two other candidates, who do not wish to be named at this stage, are weighing up whether to go for the party nominations next spring.

Three months ago, Mr Rendel indicated that he wished to fight the Newbury seat again in 2009, and he recently reactivated his website this, telling Newbury voters: “I remain interested in your views”.

Despite losing the parliamentary seat and control of the district council, the Lib Dems remain a force to be reckoned with. However, Mr Rendel is likely to have to overturn one of the Tory councillors in Bucklebury to raise his public profile.

Meanwhile, the Tories are leading Labour in national polls, and local MP Richard Benyon was one of the first 15 MPs to back new leader David Cameron.

Nevertheless, constituency boundary changes coming in in April will move Mr Benyon’s home outside the Newbury constituency.