A former UKIP leader is among those running to become Brighton and Hove’s newest councillor in a by-election next month.
Voters will go to the polls in Wish ward after an election was triggered by the death of long-standing councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn in September.
Patricia Mountain served as UKIP leader at the last general election and will represent the party in the by-election, which takes place on December 8.
Ms Mountain made national headlines after an interview with Adam Boulton on Sky News was branded a “car crash”.
She has stood as a UKIP candidate for Brighton and Hove City Council three times before; for Hanover and Elm Grove in a 2013 by-election, in the Hangleton and Knoll ward in 2015, and for North Portslade in 2019 - she did not win in any of the contests.
Also standing in the Wish ward by-election is former county councillor Peter Revell, who serves as the secretary for the Hove Beach Hut Association.
He said: “I am passionate about many issues including protecting the seafront, stopping overdevelopment particularly if its unsightly or buildings out of keeping with local area.
“It is also important to get the basics right, such as seafront facilities and keeping our pathways clear.”
Labour’s candidate Bella Sankey is the director of charity Detention Action, which supports people in immigration detention and previously stood in the 2019 general election in Arundel and South Downs.
She said: “Wish ward is a fantastic area - from the Lagoon to Ingram Estate, it is filled with character and heritage.
“Together, with the residents, I want to maintain and regenerate this special place; clear the weeds, sort out the recycling and rubbish collections and speak out against the overdevelopment of flats.
“I will speak for residents struggling with the costs of living, from rising food and energy prices to costly childcare, bus fares and mounting mortgage payments.”
Former city councillor Ollie Sykes is contesting the by-election for the Green Party, having previously represented the Brunswick and Adelaide ward between 2011 and 2019.
He said: “I believe that right now the city needs more Green councillors.
“The mess created by the government is letting our city down. Whether that is the increase in people needing to use food banks, children eligible for free school meals or promises of damaging cuts to vital public services, we cannot allow this to continue.
“If elected, I will fight to ensure we act with urgency on the crises we face.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Stewart Stone will also be contesting the election, after previously running in the Rottingdean Coastal by-election in May.
On being selected, he said: “I firmly believe that the skills I’ve developed will allow me to become a very effective councillor.
“I am passionate about fairness and equality in the workplace, education, effective social services, raising housing standards and improving the environment.”
Residents in Wish ward have until 11.59pm on November 22 to register to vote.
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