The Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the Royston Palace by-election, to fill the seat vacated by North East Herts MP Chris Hinchliff.

Gill Lewis, who has lived in Royston for 42 years, will stand in the election - which is expected to take place on October 17.

She hopes to become Royston's sixth Lib Dem councillor, out of seven seats in the town.

Gill said: "I am excited to take this opportunity to become a champion for the residents of Palace ward.

"My Lib Dem colleagues, all local residents like me, work tirelessly year round to optimise services and improve the quality of life for everyone in the town. 

"My children and grandchildren live and are schooled in Palace ward.

"As a foster-parent and through my work in the financial and animal-care sectors within Royston, I truly know the DNA of our town and many people know me.

"I feel fantastically placed to represent my fellow residents."

North Herts Lib Dem leader and Royston councillor Ruth Brown acknowledged that some voters will feel jaded at the prospect of another election this year.

She said: "It’s been a pretty unique few months. With the district council, general and now ward by-election, but this is a real chance for the people of Palace ward to send a message to this new Labour administration.

"We have already seen them try and push through house-building initiatives outside local plans and fail to scrap the two child benefit cap, so voting for our brilliant candidate, Gill, will ensure those in power will be further held to account.

"Royston residents can rest assured that with another Lib Dem councillor, they'll have a representative that will work hard for them all year round."

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Chris Hinchliff resigned as a Labour councillor on September 2, following his victory to become North East Herts MP in the general election.

He has endorsed his potential Labour successor, Sarah Lucas.

Sarah, who lives with her family in Royston Palace ward, said: "I’d like to thank Chris for his enthusiastic support and the excellent work he has done for our town."

Other candidates have yet to be announced.