Candidates for next month's byelection in New Malden have been announced.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour party, Green party and UKIP have all put forward their nominations for the St James ward ballot.

The byelection was called following the death of former Kingston Conservative leader Howard Jones last month.

Jack Cheetham, of Bodley Road in New Malden, will stand for the Tories in his home ward - a Conservative stronghold. 

He said: "It is both a pleasure and privilege to be selected as the Tory candidate in St James. I relish the chance to show residents how much I am willing to work for them.

"I am also honoured to have the chance to continue serving out Howard Jones’ term in office; he was the one that first inspired me to get more involved locally. "

Mr Cheetham also stood in St Marks ward in Surbiton at the May local elections, missing out on a seat by 40 votes. 

The Labour party has put forward father-of-two and politics graduate Stephen Dunkling, who has lived in New Malden for 25 years.

The accountant, of Connaught Road, said: "As a father of schooI-age children I am naturally interested in the borough's education system - and I am concerned at the lack of school places in this area.

"I want my children to be able to cycle safely on local roads, and I want them to have the opportunity for decent employment and affordable housing when the time comes."

Annette Wookey, of Bargate Close in New Malden, will stand as the Liberal Democrat candidate.

The Green party has put forward Alex Nelson, of Union Street, Kingston as its chosen candidate.

UKIP has announced former Chessington Community College pupil and educational recruitment consultant Ben Roberts, 28, from Chessington, as their candidate.

He previously stood for UKIP in  last month's byelection in Tudor ward, where he received 269 votes and came fourth.

The St James ward byelection will take place on Thursday, December 18.