AN ELECTION will go ahead today after it was abondoned following the death of a candidate in April.

Voters have gone to the polls in Meopham North in Gravesham, which will stay open until 10pm.

There are eight candidates competing for two seats.

The election was abondoned from its scheduled date of May 3 after the death of Malcolm Burgoyne.

The councillor for Meopham North collapsed at his home in the early hours of April 19 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital before being transferred to the intensive care unit at King's College Hospital, London.

Cllr Burgoyne died on April 25.

Every other ward in Gravesham was decided at the local elections last month, where the tories took control of Gravesham.

In the running today are two Tory candidates, one Green party member, a candidate from The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, two Liberal Democrats and two Labour candidates.

Among these is Tory leader and county councillor Mike Snelling.

He told News Shopper it is the party's intention to make him council leader if he is successful in today's elections.

Polls opened today at 7am.