Jackie O’Quinn, who served as mayor in 2023/24, resigned from Brighton and Hove City Council on May 1, triggering a by-election in Goldsmid ward.
The by-election is due to take place on June 25, with the result due to be announced on June 26.
So far, Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have put forward candidates.
Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats have nominated Kim Leyland-Walker, who said she would “ensure concerns are heard and acted upon”.
Kim Leyland-Walker (Image: Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats)
She said: “I understand what it is like to work your socks off just to survive. I know that the cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and I can understand the sense of unfairness when we pay so much in taxes and feel we don’t get the service we should.
“I am a volunteer with the Brighton and Hove Tidy Up Team and enjoy rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in to helping look after our beautiful city the way it deserves to be looked after. I am a great believer in the saying ‘be the change you want to see’.”
The Green Party has put forward Nadia Barton Ahmad for the seat, who is described as a “local community campaigner” and “a champion for people and planet”.
Nadia Barton Ahmad (Image: Brighton and Hove Green Party)
“I’m so proud to be selected as the Green candidate for Goldsmid,” she said.
“This election is happening at a critical time for our city: the cost of living keeps going up, and too many residents simply don’t feel listened to.
“I grew up in our city and have seen how unaffordable living here has become. Our communities deserve better.
“As a local campaigner for community green spaces, I am committed to standing up for our area, and I’m just as committed to standing up for you and your rights.
“We’ve seen the impact Greens can have in our city and beyond – it’s time to send a message that we don’t have to settle for Labour cuts, and that hope is possible here too.
“As the councillor for Goldsmid, I will work tirelessly to make Brighton and Hove fairer and greener.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s candidate for Goldsmid is Philip Berman.
Philip Berman (Image: Brighton and Hove Labour Group)
He said: “I’m elated to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the upcoming Goldsmid by-election.
“I’ve been door-knocking in Goldsmid and it’s clear that residents have seen real change and improvements since the Labour Party won a majority on the council in 2023.
“I want to accelerate that work. If elected, I’ll be a visible and approachable councillor, someone who listens, takes concerns seriously, and works with residents to get things done.
“The cost of living, housing pressures, and stretched public services are real challenges for residents here. That’s why I want to step up: to work hard for Goldsmid, stand up for our community, and help make the council even more responsive, fair and effective for everyone who lives here.”
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