THE GREEN party have announced the candidates who will stand for election next year following the announcement that two councillors are to stand down.

It comes as husband and wife councillors Alex Phillips and Tom Druitt said they will not be running in the next council election in 2023.

Kahina Bouhassane and Tom Pashby will stand in the ward for the Green Party following a vote from local members.

Kahina stood for the party as their candidate for Sussex's Police and Crime Commissioner and is currently the local Green Party's deputy chair.

She said: "I am thrilled to have been selected as the candidate for Regency by the Green Party.

"I am keen to represent the people of Regency and will work tirelessly to help support a better quality of life for residents by prioritising the climate and equality.

"I am committed to advocating for the needs of residents, listening to your priorities and using this dialogue to help inform discussions as to how this city is run.

"As someone who was lucky enough to grow up in this incredible city, I have always been proud to call it home and I will work to ensure it remains a beautiful, sustainable and culturally rich place to live."

Tom Pashby, who is non-binary, works as a writer in the sustainability sector and is studying a masters degree at Sussex University.

They grew up in Hertfordshire and stood for election to parliament in South West Hertfordshire at the last general election. They have lived in Brighton since 2019.

Tom said: "I’m pleased to have been selected as one of the Green Party’s candidates for Regency for the 2023 local elections.

"I love Brighton & Hove and our vibrant communities, and will do all I can to support residents and local organisations. I’m particularly keen to work with local people on housing issues, and making walking and cycling more accessible and enjoyable."

Cllr Druitt and Cllr Phillips will continue to serve as councillors for the ward until the local elections in May 2023.

The news comes after the pair faced questions in reports by The Argus about childcare expenses claims and time they spent in France since the start of the pandemic.

Cllr Druitt, who is also chief executive of The Big Lemon bus company, told The Argus last year that his family were "perfectly entitled" to claim nearly £1,500 in childcare expenses, and said that the use of the dependent carer's allowance has "nothing to do with your financial circumstances."

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