The Conservatives have chosen their candidate for a council by-election to be held in Brighton on April 11.

Brian Pidgeon, who has lived in the Brighton and Hove area for 42 years, is the favourite to win the contest in Patcham for a seat on Brighton and Hove City Council.

He has also been involved with the East Brighton Traders Association and has been a committee member of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Brighton.

The seat has become vacant through the death of Tory councillor John Sheldon.

Mr Pidgeon said: "I will use this election to highlight Labour's failings as the ruling party on the council.

"Patcham people have been hit very hard by tax rise and I plan to make sure their voices will be heard in the council chamber."

Brighton Pavilion Tory chairman Ann Norman said: "The people of Patcham should use this opportunity to send a message to Labour that it is letting Brighton down."