THE speculation surrounding Ruth Kelly's future seems to be never ending. Critics are wondering: will she stay in her marginal Bolton West constituency or will she cut and run to another safer seat?

It follows stories that the Labour Party is fearful that Ms Kelly could lose her seat under a revitalised Tory party led by David Cameron.

Now Tory candidate Susan Williams, selected to fight the minister's constituency, has called on Ms Kelly to end the speculation once and for all.

In a way she is right. The voters in her Bolton West constituency have a right to know whether or not Ms Kelly will remain loyal to them, or move to fight the next election in a safer seat.

The obvious safe seat is actually right next door in Bolton South East, after Brian Iddon announced his retirement at the next general election.

Whatever she decides to do she should make the decision sooner rather than later as the continued speculation is damaging both for her and the Labour Party and can only help her political opponents.