Compelling battle for Goldsmid

12:23pm Wednesday 18th April 2007

Goldsmid is one of the most hotly contested and important wards in the Brighton and Hove City Council elections on May 3.

While all candidates will always claim to be in the running, Goldsmid is unique in that the race genuinely is wide open.

With 17 prospective candidates standing, and a range of independents, seasoned politicians and determined newcomers, it is likely to be a compelling fight.

A safe Tory ward until 2001, demographic and boundary changes have made the result hard to predict.

The Conservatives hope to reclaim the seat, fielding former Nevill ward councillor Stephen Wade, Paul Lainchbury and Ayas Fallon-Khan. They pledge to review the controversial school lottery system, improve parking and make the streets cleaner.

The ward currently has two Labour councillors - Vince Meegan and Simon Battle - and one Brighton and Hove Independent, Anne Giebeler, who defected from the Conservatives after falling out with her party.

Coun Battle is stepping aside at the election and Melanie Davis and Alun Jones are vying for a seat at the council as Labour members.

The Lib Dems also have their eye on Goldsmid, fielding former Brunswick councillor Bob Bailey, Andrew Mailing and Stephen Potts.

Fairer parking and cleaner streets are two issues the Lib Dems feel strongly about.

The Greens have also earmarked the area as a key target, campaigning on better bus links, safer roads and environmental issues.

Their candidates are Martin Grimshaw, Rob Jarrett and Sue Baumgardt.

Coun Giebler said she had worked hard in the past four years and hoped to retain her seat.

Her party is putting forward another candidate, David Jeal, and Independents Nigel Furness, Gemma Furness and Peter Poole are also standing.

For a full list of candidates in Brighton & Hove, click here.

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