Sawbridgeworth Town Council by-election: Conservative, Lib Dem and Independent former mayor complete line-up of five candidates

Three more candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for next month’s Sawbridgeworth Town Council by-election.

The Conservative party has selected Simon Penney for the December 7 poll, which was triggered after the resignation of fellow Tory Fred Parr.

Adrien Sella will represent the Liberal Democrats and former Conservative town councillor and mayor John Burmicz will stand as an Independent.

A father of two who works as a financial services director, Mr Penney has lived in Sawbridgeworth for 20 years and been involved with Friends of Pishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club and other local groups.

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to represent people in Sawbridgeworth,” said Mr Penney. “If I am lucky enough to be elected, I will work hard as part of the great local Conservative team to support residents and businesses, champion our community and boost civic pride."

Mr Burmicz, who stood as a Reform UK candidate in May’s district and town council elections, said he could not “in all reasonable conscience” stand as a Conservative again.

He added that if elected his “main attack” would be towards overdevelopment locally, sorting out West Road and getting a weight limit from highways authorities to stop juggernauts coming through the town.

Mr Sella, 37, moved from Paris to the UK eight years ago. He is married with three young children.

“I am ready to bring fresh energy and practical solutions to the long-standing issues faced by the people living in Sawbridgeworth,” he said. “I’m committed to making sure all residents, both young and old, have a voice in building a better future for Sawbridgeworth.”

Nominations for the by-election have closed. The other candidates are former Independent town councillor David Royle and Rob Furber, who is standing for the Labour Party.