Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves joined the party's candidate for the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election in Welling on Wednesday (November 3).

The by-election, scheduled for November 3, was convened after the death of former MP for the seat James Brokenshire, who sadly died from lung cancer last month, with tributes paid to him from across the political spectrum.

Speaking on a visit to the constituency with Labour candidate Daniel Francis, Reeves spoke with constituents including business owners on Welling High Street and pointed out the pressing issues that continue to face them.

"Residents of Old Bexley and Sidcup have an important decision to make on December 2nd. A local guy who has lived here his whole life, who will always put the people of Old Bexley and Sidcup first, or more of the same under the Conservatives. A Conservative government, a Conservative council that have consistently let the residents of Old Bexley and Sidcup down," she said.

Francis, a Bexley councillor, has touted his connections to the constituency ahead of the vote on December 2.

In a video posted to Twitter last month, he said: "I've lived in this borough all my life and worked tirelessly to represent people here for over 20 years... I live in this constituency so I know its residents, its businesses and its community groups..."

The pair visited businesses on Welling High Street including the D & D Haberdashery repair shop. Reeves commented: "On the High Street I saw boarded up shops and spoke to business owners who are concerned about the increase in business rates but also the rise in anti-social behaviour; the cost of parking to shop locally and about street cleaning. We need a Labour MP who will prioritise the people of Old Bexley and Sidcup; who will campaign for lower business rates and for better services for the local community. That’s why I urge everyone in Old Bexley and Sidcup to come out and vote for Daniel Francis on Dec 2nd."

The Conservatives announced their candidate, Cllr Louie French, on Saturday (October 30) after a selection by Conservative members in the constituency.

He said his campaign will focus on building on James’ legacy and working closely with government on delivering more police, investment in public services and better access to GPs.

"James Brokenshire was a friend and mentor to me and it's an honour to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup, where I hope to carry on his excellent work... Having lived and worked in Old Bexley and Sidcup, I understand the local issues in our area and as a councillor, I already have a strong record of delivering for the people in Old Bexley and Sidcup."