The date for the Rochester West by-election has been announced.

Following the resignation of Kelly Tolhurst as councillor, residents will be able to vote for her replacement on March 8.

Miss Tolhurst stepped down from the position on Medway Council after being appointed as government whip.

In a statement released earlier this month, she said: "While I am extremely honoured to have been asked to join the Prime Minister’s team as a Government Whip, I accept that after discussions with colleagues and residents it is clear I am unable to carry on with my role as a local authority councillor without conflict.

"I came in to politics to represent and make a difference to the place where I was born and where I have lived all my life, and to make a difference to the lives of the people that live here.

"Working solely as the Member of Parliament for Rochester and Strood, I now have the opportunity to represent the whole of the constituency at the highest level.

"I believe that this decision is without doubt the best thing for both the constituency and the ward of Rochester West."

The deadline for nomination is February 9 and the list of candidates will be announced by Monday 12.