A POLITICIAN has put himself forward as the “Simon Cowell” of Colchester - in a bid to ensure only the town’s top street talent is permitted to perform.


Local Tory group leader and amateur songster Will Quince wants Colchester Council to host auditions based on the popular ‘X-Factor’ TV talent show led by infamously ruthless judge Mr Cowell.


Mr Quince, also the parliamentary prospective candidate for the Conservatives, is vying for the backing of fellow local politicians and business leaders who would see it as an opportunity to encourage footfall and improve trade in the town.


Mr Quince said: “It would be like X-Factor, in that people would come to the council and audition - I would gladly play the Simon Cowell character.


“If they are good enough and will add something to the shopping experience they would be given a licence and allocated certain places and certain days in the town and will add something to the street scene.”


Unlike the tv show’s judging panel of music moguls and glamour pusses, Mr Quince said Colchester’s could comprise of up to two councillors and two business people.


He believes they could deliver a fair verdict on who has got what it takes to entertain shoppers.


Mr Quince suggested designated busking areas could be identified to reflect different musical genres and this could be agreed with nearby traders.
“It would almost be Covent Garden-esque,” he added.


Mr Quince said he has written to Colchester Council’s leader Anne Turrell with the proposal.