A VETERAN independent candidate will stand for election in South Action in the upcoming Ealing Council by-election.

Julie Carter, a former governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School, says those roles have demonstrated her commitment to public service.

The by-election was called after Labour councillor Callum Anderson resigned when he was elected as the MP for Buckingham and Bletchley.

Ms Carter said: “It’s time we had an independent councillor in South Acton.

“I’m putting myself forward to give residents an alternative to the tired old parties.”

She stood as an independent in this year’s general election in Ealing Central and Acton and received 303 votes.

She said: “Already, I have South Acton locals come to me with problems they want solved: resident parking and speed limit signage near the local school and, most importantly, a councillor who is present for them.

“One resident says he has never seen his local councillor.”

She wants to reopen the refuse disposal centre if elected.

A lifelong Ealing resident, Ms Carter said people woukd eventually realise party politics was a sham and did little to help residents.

She said: “South Acton is a hidden gem, a vibrant, close community. It deserves better than what’s been on offer to them.”

The by-election will be on Thursday, October 10, on the same day as two other by-elections, also triggered by councillors resigning after becoming MPs.

The other resigning councillors are in Hanger Hill, where Gregory Stafford (Conservative) was elected the MP for Farnham and Bordon, and in Northolt Mandeville, where Deirdre Costigan (Labour) was elected the MP for Ealing-Southall.

Ealing Council currently consists of 59 Labour councillors, six Liberal Democrats and five Conservatives.