Seven candidates are standing in a by-election in South Portslade for a seat on Brighton and Hove City Council today.

The seat became vacant when Labour councillor Les Hamilton resigned.

The seven candidates are Danny John Booth (Green), Benjamin James Franks (Conservative), Jamie Rutherford Gillespie (Independent), Josh Guilmant (Labour), David Timothy Maples (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Georgia Arabella McKinley Fitch (Democratic Liberation Party), Kenneth Lloyd Rist (Liberal Democrats).

Each candidate received questions about local issues submitted by the public and were asked why they want to represent the ward. Below are the responses from Josh Guilmant, 40, a law teacher.

Why do you want to be a councillor?

I was brought up in Brighton and Hove by a family of teachers, my mother teaching at Mile Oak Primary.

I was fortunate to have parents who fought for my education, having been diagnosed with dyslexia from a young age.

I work as a teacher of law. My key social driver is to aid young people to reach their potential.

Being elected as a councillor would be a privilege and allow me to fight for the rights of the local community as well.

Read about other candidates below:

  • Danny Booth (Green Party) - read about him HERE
  • Benjamin Franks (Conservative Party) - read about him HERE
  • Jamie Gillespie (Independent)
  • David Maples (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) - read about him HERE
  • Georgia McKinley-Fitch (Democratic Liberation Party) - read about her HERE