The candidates aiming to win the forthcoming Council by-election in Bingley have been announced.

The number of candidates has risen to six, it was revealed when Bradford Council today confirmed those standing on December 4.

Along with candidates from the four main political parties, former BNP councillor James Lewthwaite, of Horton Bank Top, will stand for the Democratic Nationalists, while Jason Smith, of Queensbury, will stand for the UK Independence Party.

Keighley businessman John Pennington, who will fight to keep the long-term Tory stronghold, is being supported by Colin Gill who resigned as councillor for the ward and as the Council’s executive member for services to children and young people.

Mr Pennington unsuccessfully stood for the party in the Eccleshill ward during the Council elections in May.

First-time candidate Andrew Mawson, of Gilstead, will stand for the Labour party, while the Green Party candidate is Arthur Arnold, of Bingley.

Bingley woman Jean Taylor, who has previously stood for election in the ward, has been selected to represented the Liberal Democrats.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and results will be announced on the night.

Anyone wanting to apply for a postal vote or to cancel or change an existing application should do so by 5pm on Wednesday, November 19.

This date is also the deadline for anyone to be included in the Register of Electors in time for this election. New applications to vote by proxy must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, November 26.