Richard Taylor continues to stick by advice from sleaze-busting ex-MP Martin Bell.

Mr Bell, who famously defeated Neil Hamilton in Tatton in 1997, always regretted saying he would step down after one Parliament.

When Dr Taylor took his place as the only Independent at Westminster four years later, he told him not to make the same mistake.

And the health campaigner followed this advice to the letter when questioned after last week's local elections - which saw Health Concern get a rough ride in Wyre Forest.

Dr Taylor said he had still not made up his mind whether to stand in 2005.

And who can blame him?

Unlike those MPs aligned to a major party he is not answerable to a selection committee which must make up its mind on candidates two years in advance.

With another round of water-testing local elections to come next year, waiting until the last minute may prove wise.