Two of the three main parties have chosen their candidates for the Roding ward by-election in May.

Former Aldborough councillor Ruth Clark is standing for the Conservatives, hoping to replace Tory Sarah Blaber who resigned on March 18.

Mrs Clark said: “I know Roding well, having worked hard previously to protect it on the planning committee .

“I am especially keen to campaign for more school places to give local parents a real choice.”

Richard Clare was selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate on Tuesday night.

Mr Clare, who was born in Roding ward, was the Lib Dems’ candidate for Ilford North in last year’s general election.

He said: “Local people will feel let down by the Tories whose councillor did little before resigning after less than two years.”

Labour will be choosing from one of three shortlisted candidates at a meeting tomorrow (Thurs) night.

Contrary to earlier reports, the party’s candidate has not yet been chosen.

In the last six months Miss Blaber only attended one full council meeting. She declined to comment on her resignation.

The article originally incorrectly stated Miss Blaber had attended one meeting in the last 12 months. The Recorder would like to apologise for that inaccuracy.