THE candidates who will battle it out for the vacant Stifford Clays seat have been announced.

Following the passing of Diana Hale on Thursday, August 29, a by-election was called by Thurrock Council’s chief executive, owing to the borough’s tight political landscape.

Sue Shinnick, of Cherrydown, Grays, will stand in the seat for Labour, who will be looking to retain the seat.

Former Stanford East and Corringham Town councillor Danny Nicklen will stand for the Conservatives, after taking a year-long break from politics to travel.

Mr Nicklen decided not to stand for a second term in the Stanford East seat after his four-year term came to an end in May 2012.

The Liberal Democrats are also set to contest the seat with Kevin Mulroue.

Clive Broad will also contest the seat as UKIP’s candidate. Mr Mulroue and Mr Broad ran against each other in May 2012, when they both contested the Grays Riverside ward.

They were both beaten by Labour council leader John Kent. Mr Broad came second, picking up 17 per cent of the vote. Mr Mulroue got just over four per cent.

The election will take place on Thursday, October 17. The council is currently formed of 24 Labour councillors, 21 Conservatives, two independents and one from UKIP.