CANDIDATES for the Canford Cliffs by-election have been confirmed.

The election was triggered after Conservative councillor May Haines resigned after 17 years in the role.

Four people have been nominated to stand in the by-election in the ward which encompasses Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks.

From the Labour Party, Jim Buchanan will stand, while Ray Sparrow is standing representing the Liberal Democrats and Johnny Tutton is the Green Party’s nomination.

Aiming to keep the seat Conservative, Gavin Wright is the Conservative and Unionist Party nominee.

Cllr Haines resigned on Monday, March 18, leaving ward colleague Cllr John Challinor as the last-standing Conservative whose ward is entirely in Poole.

Cllr Challinor said previously: “I’m sorry to see her step down; she has been a fantastic ward councillor during her time in both the Borough of Poole Council and BCP Council.

“She has held significant cabinet roles and I have benefitted massively from her knowledge on the Canford Cliffs ward, as have all the residents here.”

Residents will go to the polls on May 2. The election for Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner will also take place on the same day.