THE Green Party have selected their candidate for an upcoming by-election, prompted by the sudden resignation of a Conservative councillor.

Joe Miller, who represented the Rottingdean Coastal ward, announced his resignation earlier this month for personal reasons, with voters set to go to the polls in May to elect his replacement.

Green candidate Libby Darling has lived in the ward for 20 years with her family, working for the NHS in community paediatric therapies.

An environmental activist, Ms Darling also runs a volunteer beach cleaning group and founded eco-charity Beacon Hub.

She said she was “extremely pleased” to be selected to provide a “strong green voice in the ward.”

Ms Darling said: “Rottingdean Coastal ward is a gem in the city; nestled against the east of the city of Brighton and Hove. I am looking forward to representing all of the residents that live in this beautiful coastal ward.

“I am passionate about ensuring inclusion of more women and young people in politics and proud to stand for a party that fights for equality, inclusion and environmental justice.”

Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Phelim Mac Cafferty said that Ms Darling is the “perfect candidate to become the first Green councillor to represent Rottingdean Coastal.”

Cllr Mac Cafferty said: “As an active community campaigner on single-use plastic waste and our treasured marine environment, Libby will make a fantastic community representative for the neighbourhoods of Rottingdean, the Marina, Black Rock, Ovingdean and West Saltdean.

He also thanked outgoing councillor Joe Miller for his commitment to the ward.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Mr Miller said that with plans to marry and move out of the area, “it has become increasingly clear that I no longer have the time required to perform the public duty involved in being a councillor as my consultancy work increases.

He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege over the past seven years to represent the people of Rottingdean Coastal and Brighton and Hove, the place where I grew up and a place that I love.”

Voters will choose their new councillor for the ward on May 5.