Conservative candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer by-election

Emma Hogan will represent the party in the Hollingdean and Stanmer by-election on May 6.

The election was triggered when Labour councillor Tracey Hill, who is moving to be closer to her parents, resigned.

A few days later, Conservative councillor Lee Wares also stood down in Patcham, triggering a by-election to take place there in the same month.

He cited the need to spend more time with his elderly parent as the reason for his resignation.

Speaking ahead of her election, Ms Hogan said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to stand as the Conservative candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer in the forthcoming by-election; an area I know well, particularly as I am a graduate of the University of Sussex.

"I now work locally as a doctor in mental health, and it is through this work that politics – and in particular local politics – have become so important to me.

"I have rapidly learnt that the greatest impact we as a society can have on all of our mental health is to improve the environment – our local environment.

"Homes, pavements, schooling, policing and the list goes on.

"It is for just this reason that I am passionate about wanting to represent and advocate for all local residents of Hollingdean and Stanmer; to use my local knowledge and skills set to represent those who cannot do so for themselves, or who choose someone to do this for them.

"I would like to provide a balanced argument to counter the majority ruling party, and provide alternative ideas to improve the city that I am proud to call home”.