Moulsecoomb and Bevendean hold several of Brighton's biggest council estates.

And while this would usually prove an unequivocal advantage for Labour, the presence of David Bangs, who led the campaign against the transfer of the council housing stock, gives the fight a great deal more spice.

Mr Bangs has already put the cat among the pigeons by printing a letter from retiring Labour councillors Jack Hazelgrove and Francis Tonks which lauds the Respect candidate.

But Councillor Hazelgrove said he was not endorsing Mr Bangs as a candidate and it would be a major surprise if Labour did not win back the seats.

Labour are fielding an all-women team which sees former councillor Mo Marsh make a comeback and newcomer Liz Telcs standing.

Anne Meadows, who chairs the adult social care committee, is standing again. They want to persevere with the regeneration of the area and do not believe the "no" vote on the housing stock transfer will impact on their polling.

The Conservatives were the second largest party in the last election and have 600 votes to make up.

Mel Grundy, Elizabeth Kirby, wife of parliamentary candidate for Kemptown Simon Kirby, and Maria Caulfield are standing for the Tories.

The Greens and Lib Dems are fielding candidates for all three posts.

Barry Mills, Matt Dunton and Morgan Daniels-Yeomans will stand for the Greens. Richard Bowden, Bruce Neave and Paul Chandler are representing the Lib Dems.

  • The Argus yesterday reported that Matthew Barker was standing for Labour. He is, in fact, one of the three Lib Dem candidates for Hanover and Elm Grove. The Labour candidates for the ward are Leo Barraclough, Joyce Edmond-Smith and Brendan Hanlon.