A school governor and a former teacher are among the candidates announced for Kingston’s upcoming Tudor ward byelection.

Green campaigner Marilyn Mason, who once taught Education Secretary Nicky Morgan at Surbiton High School, has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate, fighting for the seat vacated by Conservative councillor Frank Thompson.

Mr Thompson was forced to step down after 12 years due to ill health, it was announced earlier this month.

Mrs Mason, of Lower Ham Road, Kingston, said: “I have lived in Tudor ward since 1998 and I am standing in this election because our area needs a councillor who will put the environment at the heart of everything.”

Tudor ward has been a Conservative stronghold for more than 24 years and whoever wins next month’s election will join Tory councillors David Cunningham and Hugh Scantlebury as ward representative.

St Luke’s School governor Maria Netley, a Tudor ward resident for 15 years, has been chosen as the Conservative candidate.

Coun Cunningham said: “We are sorry to have lost Frank, who served his ward well. I think Maria, if elected, will carry on in that tradition and will make an excellent councillor.”

Labour has announced former Canbury ward Councillor Chris Priest as their candidate.

He said: “I will be fighting this election to give voters in Tudor ward a real choice. The Lib Dems are compromised by their continuing support for the current Conservative-led coalition Government.”

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Labour candidate Chris Priest

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Ryan Coley is standing for the Green Party

Environmental activist Ryan Coley, 21, who has been named as the Green Party candidate, said: “I would work to protect business owners and ensure that any new developments meet the needs and wishes of residents.”

UKIP has announced former Tolworth Junior School pupil and educational recruitment consultant Ben Roberts, 28, from Chessington, as their candidate.

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UKIP's Ben Roberts

The byelection will be the first time voters in Kingston return to the polls since May’s local elections, when the Conservatives won Kingston for the first time in more than 20 years. It will take place on October 16.