The pro-Falmer stadium Seagulls party is to field its first political candidate in a by-election later this month.

The party was formed in June as a direct challenge to the ruling Liberal Democrat regime at Lewes District Council, which it accuses of ignoring the wishes of the electorate by pursuing a High Court challenge against the Falmer stadium planning permission.

Brighton and Hove Albion fan Ed Bassford will stand for the Seagulls Party in the Ouse Valley and Ringmer ward byelection on August 17 following the death of respected independent councillor John Fletcher.

Mr Bassford, 58, from Firle, said: "We are not an established party but I think there is every chance we could win this byelection.

"This ward has a strong tradition of electing independent members free from the shackles of party politics. That was evident in John Fletcher. It's a great chance for us."

Mr Bassford's campaign will focus on improving accountability and public involvement in the council's decision-making process.

He said: "Local people are fed up with hearing of decisions being made behind closed doors.

"The council has committed money to challenging the government's Falmer stadium decision, when it is clear most people in the district want to see the football club settled in its new home as soon as possible.

"We easily collected 5,000 signatures opposing the council's action in a week.

"But it is not just the stadium issue that is making people disillusioned with their councillors. It's time for a change and I look forward to knocking on doors and talking to voters in the next few weeks."

Mr Bassford, who has lived in the ward since 1975, has served on Firle Parish Council for 15 years, spending two years as chairman.

He is well known among Albion fans after attending every session of the lengthy stadium public inquiry and writing a diary for the club's website and matchday programme.

He manages a community transport service in Brighton and Hove for elderly and disabled people and community groups.

Lewes District Council leader Ann De Vecchi has dismissed the Seagulls Party as "purely a single issue" outfit.

Mr Bassford said: "A lack of democracy and a failure to consult or engage with the electorate is an issue which spans the entire political spectrum so we're hardly single issue."