CANDIDATES are being selected to take part in the Kentish Town by-election, after the departure of Cllr Philip Thompson who is now in Arizona. The election on Thursday October 30 will be a battle for all four parties and the second by-election in the seat

CANDIDATES are being selected to take part in the Kentish Town by-election, after the departure of Cllr Philip Thompson who is now in Arizona.

The election on Thursday October 30 will be a battle for all four parties and the second by-election in the seat since 2006.

Residents were furious earlier this month when the Ham&High revealed Cllr Thompson had moved to America to study a PhD, despite keeping his position and pocketing £700 a month. After the move had been made public, he resigned and sent a cheque to the Town Hall covering his allowance.

The Lib Dems have selected Nick Russell, who ran as their London Assembly candidate for Barnet and Camden in May. They will be trying to win over those dismayed by Mr Thompson's American flit.

Lib Dem leader Keith Moffitt said: "We hope ultimately that voters look at the individuals and decide who would be the best councillor."

The Greens, who narrowly lost out on a seat in the ward last time around, will be hoping voters turn to them. In a shock move Sian Berry, the party's London mayoral candidate, Kentish Town resident and a well-known figure, has decided not to stand. Another local, Victoria Green, has since been selected.

Green Party leader Adrian Oliver said: "Unfortunately she (Sian Berry) has just committed to a new job and doesn't feel she could do the council role justice with that now."

Labour have selected youth worker Awale Olad, another strong contender for the seat who if elected would become Camden's first Somali representative.

The Tories are due to select someone later this week.