Candidates named in six-way by-election race

Candidates have been confirmed for an upcoming by-election on a finely-balanced Leicestershire council.

Voters will have the chance to elect a new member for the Long Whatton and Diseworth ward on North West Leicestershire District Council on Thursday 1 October.

The seat has been vacant since July, when Conservative councillor Nick Rushton died after being diagnosed with cancer.

The Conservatives, Labour, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Restore Britain all put forward candidates before the close of nominations on Friday.

The district council has been under no overall political control since the last election in May 2023.

The Conservatives are part of an 18-strong alliance of Liberal Democrats and independents that runs the authority.

Labour is currently the largest party on the authority, holding 17 of the 38 available seats.

There are two non-aligned independent councillors.

• Ian Bradley - Liberal Democrats

• Damilola Ojuri - Labour Party

• Charles Pugsley - Reform UK

• Craig Smith - Conservative Party

• Drew Timms - Green Party

• Simon Tunnicliffe - Restore Britain

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