The Lib Dems are a step closer to finding a candidate to replace Bath MP Don Foster at the 2015 General Election.
The party has this week decided on a shortlist of contenders who will battle it out for the Lib Dem nomination.
Mr Foster announced in January that he would be standing down from the seat he has held since 1992.
Several hopefuls turned to Twitter to announce they had made the shortlist including Chris Lucas, Steve Bradley, former Bath City chairman Councillor Manda Rigby (Lib Dem, Abbey) and former mayor Councillor Andy Furse(Lib Dem, Kingsmead).
Unsuccessful candidates are thought to include Councillor Lisa Brett (Lib Dem, Walcot) and Councillor Lorraine Morgan-Brinkhurst (Lid Dem, Newbridge).
Chair of the Shortlisting Committee for the Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bath, Shaun McGall, said the party had received numerous applications that had now been scrutinised but he said he would not confirm the shortlist until party members had been officially notified.
"As you would expect we had a strong field of applications. We look forward to announcing our successful candidate in mid-May following an internal members only hustings, which will be the culmination of a thoughtful and good natured internal campaign and debate about who is best placed to build upon the legacy and public service of our fine Member of Parliament, The Right Honourable Don Foster.
"Our successful Parliamentary Candidate will work with Don Foster, Councillor Paul Crossley and our Lib Dem led-local council to outline to the residents of Bath how the election of another Liberal Democrat MP will benefit all. Not only to help to continue the work of Lib Dems in Government and locally on the council, but also to build a stronger economy and a fairer society for all our residents and communities in the city."
All of the other main political parties have already announced their candidates for the 2015 General Election.
The Conservatives have selected healthcare consultant Ben Howlett, Labour has chosen university student Ollie Middleton, while UKIP has announced small business owner Julian Deverell for its candidate. The Green Party candidate is Dominic Tristram, 39 from Odd Down.
Hello everyone,
As most of you know I'm one of the candidates on the shortlist to become the Lib Dem Prospective... http://t.co/o55bEtgLwu
— Chris Lucas (@lucaschris) April 17, 2014Very proud to be on shortlist for @BathNesLD PPC selection- to succeed Don Foster as Bath's next MP. http://t.co/vpEFjx1HxD#Steve4Bath
— Steve Bradley (@bradley_steve) April 17, 2014Busy day on residents issues before Easter! I am also honored to announce I have been shortlisted for Bath's LibDem PPC #mandaforyouforbath
— Manda Rigby (@MandaWriter) April 17, 2014Now short listed as lib dem PPC candidate. Only local Bath candidate in race with years of campaign experience. Good luck to all taking part
— Andrew Furse (@AndrewFurse) April 18, 2014