Labour Party announce Paul Taylor as candidate in Nottiinghamshire County Council Newark West division by-election following resignation of Reform UK councillor Desmond Clarke

Labour have selected a candidate to contest the upcoming Newark West by-election.

Paul Taylor has been chosen by the regional Labour Party as their candidate for the division of Newark West on Nottinghamshire County Council, and vowed to “hold Reform to account” if elected.

The news comes following the resignation of Reform councillor Desmond Clarke, less than a week after he was elected to represent the division at the local elections, held on May 1.

On his decision to step down, Mr Clarke stated that due to his commitments in social care, he would not be able to fully devote himself to the position in the way that residents “deserve and require”.

Paul Taylor contested the division in the May 1 election and placed third. His former rival, Conservative Keith Girling, has also announced that he intends to fight to reclaim his old seat after he lost the division to Mr Clarke.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Mr Taylor, said: “I think the people of Newark West deserve someone who will actually stand up for them.

”A week ago, the election was about deciding who controlled the county council.

“But now, this by-election is about who is going to defend Newark West from the excesses of Reform.

“To be clear, this by-election should never have happened.

“If [Reform] had been a responsible party, they would have done the proper vetting before hand, rather than allowing [councillors] to find out what it is all about after being elected.

“There are only two real choices in this election, right wing politics, or Labour.”

Reform hold an overall majority party on Nottinghamshire County Council, with 39 of the county’s 66 divisions.

Mr Taylor said, if elected, he and other Labour councillors would provide a robust opposition to the Reform-led authority.

He added: “It is critical that we have people on the council to hold Reform to account, and challenge them on their decision making.

“We need a voice who will be able to work alongside the Labour East Midlands Mayor, and the Labour government.

“Experience is very important, and we need someone who understands local government and their responsibilities.

“I already represent about 80% of the division in my role as a district councillor, and I have a great track record of delivering for residents.”

Mr Taylor also praised Mr Clarke’s decision to step down as an “honourable” one, and said he should be respected for his courage in doing so.