Brighton Conservatives choose by-election candidate

Brighton Conservatives have selected a 26-year-old trainee manager as their candidate for the St Peter’s and North Laine by-election.

Rob Buckwell, who works for Majestic Wines, has been chosen to contest the seat vacated by Green councillor Keith Taylor.

Mr Taylor has become a Member of the European Parliament in place of Caroline Lucas, who won Brighton Pavilion for the Greens at the general election last month.

Mr Buckwell said: “I am delighted to be selected as the Conservative candidate for St Peter’s and North Laine.

“I am driven by a passionate belief in freedom, opportunity and responsibility.

“This is a unique chance for me to demonstrate why I am the right candidate, and over the coming weeks I hope to be able to convey this message to people on the doorsteps.”

The by-election could shift the balance of power on Brighton and Hove City Council.

A Conservative gain would restore the party’s majority which it lost when the Greens won the Goldsmid by-election in Hove last year.

Mr Buckwell, who has a degree in Spanish from Bristol University, said: “This by-election is very important to our city.

“I would like the opportunity to represent the residents of St Peter’s and North Laine, and to be a dedicated and hard-working councillor in addition to being a strong advocate for the many small businesses which are based in this ward.

“Also, it represents an opportunity for the residents of St Peter’s and North Laine to make a decisive choice in deciding the future of this council and its overall effectiveness.”