Candidates for Norfolk County Council by-election revealed

And the Liberal Democrats are not standing in the election for the Freebridge Lynn division in west Norfolk, being held following the death of their councillor John Crofts.

The Lib Dem group is instead backing independent candidate Simon Ring, who is the deputy leader of West Norfolk Council.

Mr Crofts, who became a county councillor in August last year and was a former headteacher at the independent Glebe House School and Nursery in Hunstanton, died in his sleep in June.

His death came just a few days after his 65th birthday.

Brian Watkins (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Brian Watkins, leader of the Lib Dem group at County Hall, explained why his party was not fielding a candidate.

He said: "It's tragic that John Croft's tenure as councillor was cut short, and we mourn his passing.

"Normally, we would be looking to field an official Lib Dem candidate, particularly in a seat that we have held previously.

"However [Lib Dem county and borough councillor] Rob Colwell has worked very closely with Simon Ring, who is well respected as deputy leader of West Norfolk Council.

"Rob has endorsed Simon as someone who would represent Freebridge Lynn with passion and enthusiasm if he is elected.

"John would have also approved of us backing Simon on this occasion."

The other candidates in the by-election, which will take place on Thursday, September 12, are Wilf Lambert (Labour) and Jason Law (Conservative).

The Freebridge Lynn division includes Castle Rising, Grimston, North Wootton, Roydon and South Wootton.

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

The current political make-up at Norfolk County Council is 54 Conservative members, 10 Liberal Democrats, 10 Labour, four Green Party, three non-aligned independents and two independents.

Next year will see all an all-out election at Norfolk County Council, with all 84 divisions up for grabs.