Candidates for the forthcoming Thamesfield by-election have begun campaigning on the big issues in the area now an election date has been announced.

After Councillor Edward Lister stepped down on May 18 as council leader and as a ward councillor, June 30 has been announced as the date for a new Wandsworth councillor to be elected.

Despite Putney being a Conservative stronghold, five parties have confirmed they will enter candidates before Friday’s deadline for registration.

The Labour Party has chosen Christian Klapp who is running to try and halt what he sees as the over-development of Putney.

He said: "Over-development is the critical issue in this election - it has to be because in three years when the next council elections take place it will be too late.

"These over-developments affect me just like they will affect all of us. Yet they are being voted through by councillors who either live nowhere near us or should know better but won’t stand up to their party line. It’s time for an independent voice speaking up for Putney."

Liberal Democrat candidate Lisa Smart feels she can provide an independent voice for Putney residents in the council.

She said: “It would be an honour to represent Thamesfield and to give the people of Putney an independent voice on the council. It’s clear from the fantastic response to my survey that local people want to be listened to and to have their views strongly represented.

"It is quite obvious that just another Conservative or Labour councillor would not be that independent voice.”

Other candidates include The Conservative Party's Mike Ryder who will be looking to join the majority party at the town hall, along with the UK Independence Party's Alexander Culley and The Green Party's Marian Hoffman.

Thamesfield ward residents intending to vote in the by-election have to be registered to vote by midnight on June 15 (Wednesday). There is also a 5pm deadline that day for people wanting to request a postal vote.

People born in the UK, along with citizens of qualifying Commonwealth countries, plus those from the European Union and British overseas territories are all eligible to vote.

For more information about registering and details of who is eligible to vote visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote