FOUR candidates will be fighting it out to become the new Dorset Council member for Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

As reported, a by-election is to be held after Daryl Turner resigned.

Cllr Turner, who had represented the ward as a Conservative, was elected following elections in May 2019. He had previously served on both Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council and had important roles on the authorities.

It has been confirmed that four people have been nominated for election to the Lyme Regis and Charmouth ward of Dorset Council.

Belinda Bawden is standing for the Green Party, David Hart is the Labour candidate, Cheryl Reynolds, who is Daryl Turner's sister, is an independent candidate, and Vicci Stocqueler is standing for the Conservative Party.

The election will be held on Thursday, April 7.

Applications to register to vote in the election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Tuesday, March 22

  •  Meanwhile, no candidates have put themselves forward for the Lyme Regis town councillor vacancy and the election will be re-advertised.

Dorset Council has confirmed there were no nominations for the seat, which became vacant following the death of Cllr Stan Williams in February.

A further notice of election inviting nominations will be issued on April 7 and if there are still no nominations, it would continue to be advertised until a candidate comes forward.

The town council cannot co-opt a new councillor as an election has already been called.