THE five candidates who will contest the Crompton by-election have been confirmed.

Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green party will all be aiming to land the seat which became vacant following the death of Labour councillor Sufrana Bashir-Ismail last year.

Last week, Labour announced that the former councillor’s sister, Bilkis, had been selected to contest the seat in the February 11 vote.

She will face competition from local Conservatives candidate Ryan Haslam.

He said: "Crompton ward needs a new, strong voice with different priorities who fill fight for cleaner streets and better condition of our roads and pavements. Someone who will support our local schools in achieving high standards, who will fight for better facilities and against any future closures and who will work with the community to address anti-social behaviour.

“Above all, the ward needs someone who will be active within all communities, reaching out and working with local charities and religious groups, schools, businesses and residents groups.

He added: “I am young, enthusiastic, and have the energy and commitment to get things done.”

UKIP will be aiming to add to the three councillors it has with candidate Paul Eccles.

He said: “Crompton ward is one of several wards which features high up in the list of areas of deprivation.

“These wards have been represented for many years exclusively by Labour councillors and yet Government figures show that they are now even more deprived than they were fifteen years ago.

“It is clear now that a different approach is needed — fresh, independent thought and new pairs of eyes are required if we are to stop the rot and turn around the fortunes of the residents and businesses of Crompton.”

He added: “UKIP councillors are not subject to a party whip and have the freedom of thought and action to allow them to better represent their electors.”

Prior to Cllr Bashir-Ismail’s election in 2006, Crompton ward was in the hands of the Liberal Democrats and they will be hoping to bring it back under their control with candidate Garry Veevers.

He said: “If I am elected as a councillor for Crompton ward, I will make sure that I represent the whole community irrespective of race or religion. I am very critical of the way that Labour runs Bolton Council now — there is too much secrecy.

“Why should the council hide the name of the Labour councillor who failed to pay his or her Council Tax?

“Why should the Labour Leader of the council refuse to answer whether the departing chief executive got a pay off?

“I would support measures that local Liberal Democrats have proposed like a cut to the number of councillors from three to two per ward which could save £300,000 a year.”

Green candidate, Laura Diggle, stood to be an MP in May’s General Election. She said: “There are many important local issues but a big one is fracking — it could have huge implications for Bolton after new licenses were handed out and local democracy is being trodden over on the issue — we need someone to stand up for the area.

“With all the cuts affecting services in Bolton there are a lot of people in dire straits in this town who need support and I would aim to offer that.”