THE date for a the Highwoods by-election has been confirmed as another candidate was announced. 

Labour's Catherine Bickersteth announced last month she was stepping down from her seat as she will move away from Colchester. 

The party has confirmed Gary Braddy will be its candidate at the election which will be held on Thursday, September 21. 

Mr Braddy has been a councillor on Myland Community Council since 2019.

He was born in Colchester and has lived in Highwoods for 32 years.

He said: "“I’m delighted to have been selected as Labour’s candidate in Highwoods.

“I hope my fellow residents will choose to put their trust in me when it comes to the election. I promise to represent their interests to the best of my abilities.”

Colchester’s Conservatives have already announced that Paul Smith will stand for election while the Liberal Democrat candidate is Simon Appleton. 

Council leader David King urged for a timely election, as a vacant position could “make life more difficult for residents”. 

He ensured his full support to residents in the meantime. 

The election will take place on Thursday, 21 September.