Candidates announced in City of Chester by-election to replace Christian Matheson
Nine candidates have been confirmed for the upcoming by-election in the City of Chester constituency, which was triggered by the resignation of the former MP.
Labour's Christian Matheson quit after complaints over "serious sexual misconduct" against him were upheld by the parliamentary watchdog - complaints which he denies.
The by-election is set to take place on 1 December - here is a list of the candidates in the running:
Jeanie Barton - Reform UK
Paul Bowers - Green
Samantha Dixon - Labour
Cain Griffiths - UKIP
Ron Herd - Liberal Democrats
Richard Hewison - Rejoin EU
Howling Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
Chris Quartermaine - Freedom Alliance
Liz Wardlaw - Conservative
ITV News has reached out to all parties asking for a quote from their chosen candidates about their vision for Chester, and a campaign photograph.
We will update this article as and when we get responses
Who is the Labour candidate?
Samantha Dixon is a local councillor and former leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
She was awarded an MBE for services to the city earlier this year and said: "Chester is my home, where I brought up my family, and where my heart is.
“My life has been dedicated to helping local people, and I will take the fight to the Tories on behalf of all Chester residents.
"We need a Labour government to grow the economy, keep energy bills down and rebuild the country for a fairer future.”
Who is the Conservative candidate?
Elizabeth Wardlaw is a nurse from Congleton and current councillor on Cheshire East council.
She said she understands the pressures on local people and believes she would be the ideal candidate to represent the city's voters, "ensuring their voices are heard in parliament.”
She said: “I’m under no illusions, there are difficult times ahead for everyone, but it’s more important now than ever, to get on with delivering our manifesto.
"We need to invigorate the city of Chester and energise our local economy which I believe only the Conservatives can do.”
Who is the Liberal Democrat candidate?
Rob Herd is a teacher and parish councillor from Chester.
The Liberal Democrat candidate said that the Government had taken Chester for granted, "from sewage being pumped into our River Dee, to extreme pressure on our Countess of Chester Hospital."
He said he would fight for action on the cost of living emergency and local health services, adding: "I will be a local champion for our area working hard all year round to tackle the issues that matter to local residents."
Who is the Green candidate?
Paul Bowers is a councillor on Cheshire West and Chester Council - the first candidate from his party to be elected to the role.
A painter and decorator by trade, he says he understands first hand the impact the cost of living crisis is having on working families across Chester.
"Having lived in Chester most of my life, it has become clear that we need a braver, fairer and cleaner vision for our city"
Who is the Reform UK candidate?
Jeanie Barton is standing for Reform UK.
She has been a community councillor for the past five years and previously worked in management roles across a number of sectors including transport, construction, and social care.
"I am standing for Reform UK against the two major parties for lower taxes, controlled immigration and an end to Westminster’s Net Zero Green Agenda, which is making us Net Poorer.”
Who is the UKIP candidate?
Cain Griffiths is standing for UKIP.
Mr Griffiths works in hospitality in the city centre and said if elected he would campaign to scrap business rates to revive the high street.
"I want the best for the people of Chester, that's why I'm standing for the UK Independence Party, the only party I feel can genuinely improve the lives of the people in Chester and the rest of Britain."
Who is the Rejoin EU candidate?
Richard Hewison is the leader of the Rejoin EU party and former mayor of London candidate.
Mr Hewison said he was standing in the Chester by-election to challenge Labour's 'make Brexit work' policy and speak for "the millions suffering from Brexit bureaucracy".
"We hope concerned Chester voters who might usually support Labour will take this chance to show Labour where their priorities lie."
Who is the Monster Raving Loony Party candidate?
Howling Hope is the leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party, who are fielding a candidate in Chester for the first time.
Mr Hope says a vote for him would make other political parties sit up and think, promising to be on the side of people who have "seen it all before, heard it all before, and still don’t believe it".
"Between us we can make Chester very proud, the wonderful town that changed the face of modern day politics. You’ve got nothing to lose."
Who is the Freedom Alliance candidate?
Chris Quartermaine is standing for the Freedom Alliance.
The former local businessman says he was "dismayed" by the impact the Government's coronavirus response had on local businesses, and is standing "to be a voice for the politically homeless"
“Our political leaders do not serve the people. I am standing in the Chester by-election because I want that to change.”
The deadline for registering to vote in the by-election is November 15.