Labour have announced their candidate for the upcoming South Portslade by-election.
The by-election for the seat on Brighton and Hove City Council was triggered by the sudden resignation of Les Hamilton, who had served as a councillor for almost 50 years.
Josh Guilmant, a law teacher at BHASVIC, has been selected as Labour’s candidate in South Portslade - one of the strongest areas of Labour support in the city.
At the local election, Les Hamilton won his re-election with more than two-thirds of the vote.
Mr Guilmant, 40, was brought up in the city and comes from a family of teachers - with his mother teaching at Mile Oak Primary and his father at City College for most of their teaching careers.
He stood for election in Withdean at the 2019 local election, placing seventh behind the Greens and Conservatives.
Mr Guilmant said: “I would love the opportunity to represent South Portslade, as it has a strong, supportive and individual community identity.
“It would be an honour as a fellow teacher to take over from Les who has dedicated his life to serving the local residents.
“I will advocate for the local community so that South Portslade continues to have a strong voice in the city.”
The by-election comes amid criticism among some in Portslade over the proposed closure of St Peter’s Community Primary School.
Hundreds of people have signed petitions to save the school, along with St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School, from being closed.
The petition will be discussed at a meeting of full council on Thursday.
One resident, whose daughter attends the school, said the school is a beacon for pupils who have special educational needs.
They said: “St Peter’s is not just a school; it’s an amazing community where teachers are kind, compassionate and understanding.
“The focus here is always on the families and children - an ethos that fosters well-mannered students who feel valued and supported.”
A council consultation on its closure closes on December 22.
The deadline for nominations to stand in the by-election is 4pm tomorrow.
Voters will go to the polls on January 11.
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