THE Labour Party has announced its candidates for the Downham ward by-elections next month.

Damien Egan and Pauline Morrison will both fight in the Lewisham Council elections on February 19.

The by-election was called after Liberal Democrat councillors Mark Morris and Simon Carter stepped down earlier this month.

Mr Egan is the prospective parliamentary candidate for nearby Beckenham and works as a solicitor.

Ms Morrison works on the Downham estate as an advice worker at the North Downham Training Project.

She is a former Mayoress of Lewisham and armed forces representive for Lewisham Council.

Councillor Alan Hall, chair of the Lewisham Labour Group, said: “Labour is one councillor short of an overall majority in the council chamber so these by-elections could change the balance of power.”