Candidates for Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election announced

The Conservative MP, 53, died from lung cancer last month, with tributes paid to him from across the political spectrum.

He represented Old Bexley and Sidcup from 2010, winning the seat with a majority of almost 19,000 at the 2019 general election, having been initially elected as the MP for Hornchurch in 2005.

The following competing parties have announced candidates, as campaigning gets underway.

Conservative - Louie French

Louie French, a councillor in the Falconwood and Welling ward since 2014, was selected by Conservative members in the Old Bexley and Sidcup constituency on October 30.

He also served as Deputy Leader of Bexley council from 2018-2021.

The campaign will build on “James’ legacy and working closely with government on delivering more police, investment in public services and better access to GPs”.

Labour – Daniel Francis

Daniel Francis

Daniel Francis, a councillor in Belvedere, was selected by the local party on October 28.

He is the longest serving Labour councillor in the borough, having held office for 17 of the last 21 years.

Labour says a vote for Daniel is a vote for “standing up for small businesses, prioritising community safety and driving investment to local areas”.

Green – Jonathan Rooks

Jonathan Rooks

Jonathan Rooks, chairperson of local conservation charity Greener Bexley, has been selected by the Green Party.

He previously contested the constituency for the Greens in 2010, and also represented the party as London Assembly candidate election agent for Bexley and Bromley.

Mr Rooks, a lecturer at London South Bank University, is described as a “pillar of the community who has served in a leadership capacity for various prominent local organisations over the years".

Reform UK – Richard Tice

Richard Tice

Richard Tice, leader of Reform, formerly known as the Brexit party, announced his candidacy last month.

The former MEP said he will stand to send a “powerful message to Boris Johnson” about the current tax burden, raised to its highest level since the 1950s.

He has also pledged to campaign for a referendum on the 2050 net zero emissions target.

Heritage Party – David Kurten

David Kurten is leader of the Heritage Party, which stands for “defending our culture and heritage, national sovereignty, traditional family values, free speech and liberty, low immigration, financial responsibility and reducing taxes.”

He formerly represented UKIP in the London Assembly.

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