Liberal Democrats say they are ready to contest the Watford seat in a general election after Richard Harrington MP announced he would step down.

And Labour have called on the former business minister, who resigned so he could vote against a no-deal Brexit, to support a vote of no confidence in the Government.

Mr Harrington, who has held the seat since 2010, revealed this afternoon that he would not stand again.

Read more: Watford MP announces he will stand down at next election

He had this week said he did not support Boris Johnson's move to suspend Parliament for four to five weeks in September, warning it would make no-deal more likely.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Cllr Ian Stotesbury, who stood in 2017, said he was ready to fight the seat again.

He said: "Although we have often disagreed I'd like to pay tribute to Richard who has always worked hard for people in Watford. It's clear that he, like many others, could not defend the Government's reckless attitude towards a no-deal Brexit, which could cost nearly 3,000 jobs in Watford and hurt our local economy – not to mention the social fabric of an inclusive, vibrant, town.

"With a Labour Party who have shown time and time again they cannot be relied upon, residents can rest assured only the Liberal Democrats will demand an Exit from Brexit. I am already out on the doorstep speaking to residents, serving as a councillor, and working to understand their concerns. I am ready to champion Watford in Parliament."

Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Watford, Chris Ostrowski, said: “Even loyal Conservatives like Richard Harrington are disgusted by Boris Johnson’s outrageous attacks on our parliamentary democracy.

“I hope he will support Labour's plan to take a no-deal Brexit off the table. I call on him to support a vote of no confidence in the Government if one is called, so the people of Watford can have their say in a general election."

Brexit Party candidate William Berry said: "Despite his failings of not supporting a no-deal and generally undermining the UK in negotiations with the EU, we should thank Richard for the many excellent things he has done for Watford, including his yearly jobs fair. 

"Let's hope he is replaced by a politician who is prepared to respect democracy - by honouring the voters of Watford and the country who voted leave (not 'only leave if we get a deal' which seemed to be the view of Richard)."

Liberal Democrat Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor also paid tribute to Mr Harrington.

He said: ''I've always found Richard to be a diligent MP for Watford who was determined to do his best for local residents. I wish him well for the future."

Although the Liberal Democrats received only 5,335 to Labour's 24,639 and the Conservatives' 26,731, he felt his party is in with a chance.

He added: "It's now clear that the race to be Watford's next MP is wide open. The Liberal Democrats in Watford are on the up. We have topped the poll at the European Elections and got our best ever local election results in the seat earlier this year. We can win in Watford. I couldn't think of anyone better placed than Ian Stotesbury to succeed Richard Harrington and be our new voice in Parliament."