The Liberal Democrats have picked their candidate for the Rottingdean Coastal by-election which was caused by the resignation of Conservative councillor Joe Miller.
Stewart Stone, 63, who lives at Brighton Marina, in the Rottingdean Coastal ward, grew up in Brighton and went to Varndean in the 1970s.
After graduating from Kent University, he moved to London for 20 years then lived near Beaconsfield for 16 years until October 2020, when he moved back to Brighton.
Mr Stone spent his career in finance, HR and recruitment consultancy, including spells with Hays and Michael Page.
He joined the Lib Dems in 2015 and stood as a candidate in the Essex seat of Thurrock at the last general election in 2019.
Mr Stone said: “I relish the chance to fight for my fellow residents of Rottingdean and West Saltdean.
“This far-flung outpost of Brighton and Hove City Council has been neglected for too long.
“Our rubbish remains uncollected and our roads and footpaths unmaintained.
“The Greens and Labour seem to alternate administrations each ruling with the tacit support of the other. Meanwhile where are the Tories?
“They represent the national government who are failing the country in so many ways in these difficult times.
“Our city needs a strong liberal and democratic voice. Our councillors need to be held to account. I aim to be that voice.”
The Conservatives have selected former councillor Lynda Hyde, who previously represented the ward, to stand in the by-election which is expected to be held on Thursday 5 May.
Last timne, over a decade ago, that there were LibDems on the Council, they amounted to two – and came to an end when one de-selected the other, who then stood as an independent: both lost their seats.
While that is a funny story, it’s unlikely to happen again with only one candidate.