Lib Dems select candidate to fight Hove by-election

The Liberal Democrats have chosen their candidate to contest the by-election in Hove next month.

The party has picked Gareth Jones, who works for the NHS at Brighton General Hospital, to try to win the Westbourne ward seat on Brighton and Hove City Council.

The Lib Dems have been without a seat on the council since the local elections in May when the Greens took Brunswick and Adelaide.

Paul Elgood and David Watkins held the ward at the previous election for the Lib Dems.

Mr Jones contested Regency ward at the elections in May this year.

A spokesman for the party said: “Gareth Jones is an extremely active member of the community, who champions individual rights and freedoms.

“He has supported many of the Liberal Democrat campaigns in Hove, such as the protection of our lawns on the seafront, the petition to save the King Alfred and keeping Hove Library open.

“Gareth is also supportive of the wider Liberal Democrat campaigns in government, including the action to save and support local post offices and the pupil premium.

“For parents living in Westbourne, the pupil premium provides clear, identifiable evidence of the positive influence of Liberal Democrats in coalition.

“Gareth Jones is an energetic and hard-working individual who would make a perfect councillor for Westbourne.

“As councillor, Gareth promises to keep all residents informed of council work and activities by regular newsletter and to work tirelessly to ensure that the opinions and voices of the residents of Westbourne are heard.”

The vacancy arose last week with the resignation of Brian Oxley, the former Conservative leader of the council.

Mr Oxley stood down after 16 years as a councillor for personal reasons. He is moving to Derby to be near his elderly widowed father.

His party has chosen retired police chief Graham Cox to try to hold the seat.

Labour has picked former youth service manager Nigel Jenner.

Local businessman Paul Perrin is standing for the UK Independence Party.

The Greens expect to announce the name of their candidate within a few days.

The by-election is due to take place on Thursday 22 December.