Candidates have been announced for a by-election, called following the death of a popular former mayor.

Cllr John Morris (Con) died in May which created a vacancy in the three-seat Sheppey Central ward.

Labour has selected former councillor Alan Henley, of Minster, to stand for them.

He served as ward member for Sheerness West in the mid-1970s to the early 80s and was around at the inception of Swale council.

As vice-chair of Medway Community Health Council he fought against the closure of Queenborough Ambulance Station.

He said: “These days our council seems so remote to local people.

“I want bring back a sense of community in Minster and Eastchurch, a community where residents can easily connect with their councillor safe in the knowledge their views will be taken up and addressed.

“There are so many issues on the Island around housing, employment and health care.

“Residents need to be certain they have a voice and that it will be heard.”

The Conservatives have named Tina Booth, of Eastchurch, as their candidate.

She is the wife of councillor Andy Booth (Con, Minster Cliffs).

She is a member of Eastchurch Parish Council and works part time at New Road Community Centre.

She said: “I’m aware of the issues that residents have and being on the parish council helps getting to know residents.”

Representing UKIP is retired teacher David Lloyd Jones.

He was born on the Island and has lived in Minster for the past 20 years.

He said he is ready to make the commitment that Sheppey it “so badly needs” and he joined the party because he feels it is the only one that will put local people first and bring back influence in decisions to the people of the Island.

The Liberal Democrats are yet to name a candidate and they, along with anyone who intends to stand as an independent, have until 4pm on September 19 to decide.