Six candidates have been put forward for the upcoming Leamington Spa by-election.

Locals will go to the polls on Thursday (18 September) to vote in a new councillor for the Leamington Clarendon ward at Warwick District Council.

The election comes following the resignation of Labour's Helen Adkins who criticised the leadership culture at the local authority when she stepped down.

Ahead of Thursday, we asked each candidate for a short statement about their policies and why locals should vote for them.

This is what they said:

Raina Deo - Liberal Democrats

Local residents deserve a champion for our community who will listen to their issues, and fight for them at the district council. 

I'm going to give my all for my community to represent them and to deliver for our beautiful town.

I'm passionate about Leamington Spa and want to ensure that our town has world class parks, a bustling High Street, safe and affordable housing, and that our streets are kept clear of waste and rubbish.  

Through this campaign I will work tirelessly to prove to the residents of Leamington Clarendon that I am the right person to stand up for them.

Raina Deo - Liberal Democrats

Megan Clarke - Independent

Having already signed up to YourParty, officer for the National Education Union, Megan Clarke, 26, will stand as an independent, while pledging to join the party being founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana when it officially launches later this year.

I am standing to send this Labour Government a message. Let's send them a message that we oppose the Government slashing the winter fuel payment, cutting support for disabled people and keeping the two-child benefit cap. Send them a message that we demand action to end the ongoing Genocide and famine in Gaza.

Clarendon became my home in 2019 and have been an active member of the community ever since, working alongside residents to resist unfair evictions, standing in solidarity with refugees, affirming that trans rights are human rights and declaring that Black Lives matter. I am standing to be a councillor for the community who will stand up for renters' rights, the local environment and fight against the rise of the far right.

I was a member of the Labour Party when Jeremy Corbyn was Leader, but it's clear the Labour Party no longer serves the people it was founded to represent. We're building something new, hopeful and people-powered. I encourage everyone who wants to see a real alternative to sign up at www.yourparty.uk and get involved. Join us!

Megan Clarke - Independent

Chris Knight - Labour

Leamington has been my home for over 20 years, where I've raised my family, built deep roots, and dedicated my career to public service on the front line of the justice system. 

My work has always been about keeping people safe, tackling anti-social behaviour, and ensuring victims receive the support they deserve.

Labour councillors have a proven track record of delivering for our town. We've put more Community Wardens on the streets, upgraded town centre CCTV, and created a larger Safe Space, contributing to a 40 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour this year. 

We've also built new affordable homes, enabled double glazing for listed buildings, and despite opposition from the Liberal Democrats expanded cost-of-living support to help local families.

But there is more to do. I will bring my justice experience to the council with a clear plan: zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour in known hotspots, stronger patrols, and youth mentoring programmes that open doors to work and opportunity. 

I will also protect our parks for generations to come by securing Fields in Trust status, so they can never be built on.

As your Labour candidate, I am determined to be a strong voice for Clarendon, standing up for safer streets, fairer opportunities, and a stronger community for us all.

Chris Knight - Labour

Abi Underwood - Green Party

I believe in the importance and power of building a stronger community for us all. 

Because of this, I volunteer with schools around Warwickshire to support pupils with employability schools and improve spaces for vulnerable children. 

I have also been involved in volunteering and fundraising for a range of local homelessness charities. 

If elected to be your district councillor, I will work hard to ensure that waste collection works for everyone, that antisocial noise is addressed, and that the community is heard and advocated for on issues, such as the pedestrianisation of the parade. 

I believe that representing people can only be done by collaborating with them and hearing their voices, which is what I want to ensure is done for Clarendon.

Abi Underwood - Green Party

Dominic Smith - Conservative Party

Dominic Smith is a headmaster of eight years standing and has served as Governor of a Leamington Senior School.

Dominic holds elective positions in two national charities and is "passionate about pragmatic public service". 

Dominic has put himself forward for election to provide an "experience-based approach to decision making in the council". 

A Leamington resident, he says he is dedicated to ensuring the town grows and thrives as it should. 

Nigel Clarke - Reform UK

Nigel Clarke did not respond to Nub News' requests for comment. The following statement has been shared onto the WhoCanIVoteFor website.

I started my first job at 13 and have worked ever since. I studied to be an Engineer before moving into IT, Account and Office Management roles across Europe, Asia and the US. I now run my own small business and have many and varied interests including flying gliders when time allows.

I first became interested in Politics at school following a project on the EEC as it was back then! I could never understand why you had to pay millions and millions of taxpayers' money to be in a club where the benefits were so tenuous if at all. It was my view that people trade with people and respective governments add unnecessary complications.

I am not a Politician but decided to stand when no party represented me or my values in previous elections. You can't complain if you aren't prepared to be part of the solution!

The United Kingdom is broken. The decisions being made by government are seemingly devoid of common sense or logic. Voting Reform is the only way to stop clueless career politicians from ensuring the spiral decline of this once-great nation.

Reform will be the change, enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow, reducing red tape/taxation and taking the lower paid (under £20k) out of taxation entirely, leading to a more prosperous United Kingdom. Reform will be tough on crime, support the vulnerable and make work pay for everyone.

Nigel Clarke - Reform UK