Labour has selected a journalist and film-maker turned podcaster to stand in a by-election next month for a seat on Brighton and Hove City Council.
Philip Berman, 56, will stand in the Goldsmid by-election which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 25 June following the resignation of Jackie O’Quinn, a former mayor of Brighton and Hove.
The party said: “Brighton and Hove Labour has selected Goldsmid resident Philip Berman as its candidate for the forthcoming Goldsmid by-election.
“Philip Berman has lived in Brighton and Hove for 17 years, including the last 13 in the Goldsmid ward itself, with his wife and daughter.
“He has a background in public service and the charity sector as well as communications, supporting the NHS in their rollout of the covid vaccine.”
Mr Berman, Labour’s candidate for Goldsmid, said: “I’m elated to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the upcoming Goldsmid by-election.
“I’ve been door-knocking in Goldsmid and it’s clear that residents have seen real change and improvements since the Labour Party won a majority on the council in 2023.
“I want to accelerate that work. If elected, I’ll be a visible and approachable councillor, someone who listens, takes concerns seriously and works with residents to get things done.
“Brighton and Hove is a special place and I’m proud of what Labour has delivered locally from better waste collections and road repairs to new spaces like Hove Beach Park.
“Live music at venues like the the Green Door Store or Concorde 2 and playing sports are two of my great passions and I believe Brighton and Hove is the best place to live in the UK.
“But I also know many people are finding our city unaffordable. The cost of living, housing pressures and stretched public services are real challenges for residents here.
“That’s why I want to step up: to work hard for Goldsmid, stand up for our community and help make the council even more responsive, fair and effective for everyone who lives here.”
The Labour leader of the council Bella Sankey said: “From electrifying the number 7 bus to rolling out food waste collections to bringing back HMO landlord licensing, your Labour council is working hard to make life for Goldsmid residents fairer, greener and better.
“I couldn’t be happier that Philip Berman has been selected as Labour’s candidate in Goldsmid. Philip is a caring, hardworking and committed local resident who is rooted in this beautiful ward and understands its diverse needs.
“He would be a strong addition to Labour’s excellent team in this ward and a progressive voice for our values on the city council.”
Councillor Sankey added: “From the regeneration around Hove Station and new homes coming forward locally to planned investment in the ward through Labour’s Better Brighton and Hove Fund, there is real change happening in and around Goldsmid.
“The Labour campaign will work to speak with every resident across Goldsmid in the run up to polling day to listen to their views and make the case for Labour’s local vision.”
