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 long-serving 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) and Kenneth Lloyd Rist (Liberal Democrats).

Each candidate received questions about local issues submitted by the public and were asked why they wanted to represent the ward. Below are the responses from Conservative candidate Benjamin Franks, 33, a tutor.

Why do you want to be a councillor?

Democracy is precious. So many people around the world don’t have a voice so we have to cherish it. Also, politics is the arena that sets the heart beating a little faster. I love the exchange of ideas and debating.

Read abou other cadidates below:

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