THE two main political parties in Bexley have chosen their candidates to fight the Christchurch ward by-election for a seat on Bexley Council.
Local businessman James Spencer is the Tories' choice to replace Ian Clement, who was council leader until he resigned to become a deputy mayor with the new London Mayor, Boris Johnson.
Labour has picked retired scientist and school governor Ursula Ayliffe.
Mrs Ayliffe has lived in Christchurch for 30 years and lives with her husband Paul in Oaklands Close, Bexleyheath.
She said: "I have lived and worked in this community for three decades.
"Through my voluntary work I know the Tory council is failing people, and worse still, making their lives even more difficult."
She works as a volunteer for a community advice group and helps run Bexleyheath's Boys' Brigade and a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Mr Spencer, 31, also lives in Christchurch ward and is an executive committee member of Bexleyheath and Crayford Conservative Association.
He said: "I believe Bexley's Conservative council is doing a tremendous job despite the Labour Government."
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