THREE candidates will go head-to head in the by-election for Bradwell South and Hopton ward next month - with former Labour leader Trevor Wainwright hoping to make a return to the borough council.

THREE candidates will go head-to head in the by-election for Bradwell South and Hopton ward next month - with former Labour leader Trevor Wainwright hoping to make a return to the borough council.

Local businessman Mike Butcher will stand for the Tories, while Hopton man Colin Aldred will again fly the flag for UKIP.

The by-election on July 10 has been called following the resignation of Conservative councillor Colin Hodds due to work commitments, involving relocating to Sussex.

Mr Wainwright, of Lapwing Close, Bradwell, represented the Bradwell North ward for almost seven years before losing his seat to Conservative Alan Grey in May's local elections by 48 votes. He blamed national issues for Labour's pounding locally, and while he believes central government issues are still in people's minds, he is confident the by-election can be fought on local issues.

He said: “The national issues are still there but the election in May was the opportunity for people punish the government. I'm hoping this by-election is decided on local issues.”

Mr Wainwright is a governor at Oriel High School in Gorleston and Hillside First School in Bradwell. He is also a trustee of the Mill Lane Community Centre in Bradwell.

The Tories will be hoping to hold on to the seat with their candidate - Hopton Parish Council chairman and local businessman Mike Butcher.

Mr Butcher, of Links Road, Gorleston, is a founding director of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority and has been involved with the operating of CCTV in the town as well as the Nightsafe scheme. He is also chairman of Hopton Parish Council.

He said: “I feel I am well placed to make a difference within our community as a whole and to the people of Bradwell South and Hopton in particular.”

UKIP candidate Colin Aldred believes national issues are still etched on the minds of voters and reckons he will gain on his last standing in the ward in May, when he polled 177 votes.

Mr Aldred, 63 of Groomes Close, Hopton, said: “I think national issues are why the Lib Dems did so well in the by-election held earlier this year for this ward. I feel confident I will gain some more votes on the back of that.”

Mr Aldred was born and grew up in Lowestoft and has lived in Hopton for 20 years. He served in the Royal Navy for 15 years and is a qualified nurse.

A by-election was held for the other seat

in the ward in February following the resignation of Tory councillor Brian Howard. The Conservatives held on, with Sue Hacon winning the race. Liberal Democrat Aleck Buchanan came second, just 78 votes adrift.

The Lib Dems increased their vote by 30pc but the party has decided not to contest the next

by-election.