OFFICIAL notice has been published for the Whitefoot by-election, with one party promising to choose their candidate following a public debate.

A date of October 11 has been set for the poll to fill the post left by Liberal Democrat Pete Pattisson after he stood down to work in India.

Lewisham People Before Profit say they will elect their candidate at a special meeting open to the public on September 11 at Goldsmiths Community Centre, Castillon Road, from 7.30pm.

John Hamilton from the group said: "Rather than make the decision in secret, behind closed doors, as traditional parties do, we want prospective candidates to answer questions from the electorate beforehand.

"We want them to present their vision of how Lewisham council could be run for the benefit of the residents."

The Liberal Democrats have already announced Janet Hurst as their candidate.

Nominations must be in by September 14.