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Speculation is rife that UKIP leader Nigel Farage could be eyeing up a role as Coventry's next MP .

The rumours are circulating after speculation mounted that Labour's Geoffrey Robinson would retire, triggering a by-election for the Coventry North West seat.

Mr Farage has today said he would be interested in contesting a by-election in a Labour seat.

It seems Labour-held Coventry North West could fit the bill for Mr Farage with a majority of 4,500 far from insurmountable and Mr Robinson admitting to the Telegraph that health concerns may prevent him from seeing out the full five years of parliament.

Mr Robinson has insisted he wants to see out the full terms and has no plans to retire.

However, he recently told the Telegraph: “If my health holds up, I will do the full five-year term and I hope it does. There are doubts about my mobility, but I’m holding up pretty well.”

Mr Farage today told BBC 5Live: “I would look forward to a by-election in a Labour seat very much indeed.”

Rumours elsewhere have indicated that Labour may be lining up their own high profile candidate to contest a Coventry by-election should Mr Robinson retire.

Speculation is growing that former shadow chancellor Ed Balls could be lined up to replace Mr Robinson after losing his seat in Morley and Outwood.

Reader reaction

Lauren Duggan: "Oh I hope so! I love Farage! 2020 election will be his year."

Berni Barrett: "Keep out of our city!"

Adrian Walker: "I hope so! The bloke is a legend."

Matty Betts: "He's got my vote!"

Stuart Bird: "Good God, no thank you!"

Ste Mac: "Hope so."

Sue Duffy: "Get rid of Labour!"

Tez Smith: "I hope so!"

Claire Charles: "He would have my vote..."

Caffie McGinley: "He can't be any worse than Geoffrey Robinson, and he will give the rest a run for their money."

Danni Crowter: "Establishment bigots are NOT welcome in Coventry."

Emma Brown: "This tool will never win a seat here! He couldn't do it in Thanet."

Shanice Gorton: "Hopefully!"

Theresa Walsh: "Keep him out."

Matthew Dinning: "God no!"

Steve Lingy: "He gets my vote."

Martin Stephens: "We need him to sort out the corrupted system..."

Rob Crowe: "Come on, Nige! Come to Coventry."

Jamie Atkins: "No!"

Darius Stewart: "He won't last one minute."

Lakie Laks: "Never heard of him?"