THE Conservatives have announced their candidate for the upcoming Wanstead by-election following the death of their colleague Cllr Allan Burgess last month.

Alex Wilson will now try to fill the shoes of the legendary councillor, who held the Tory stronghold seat for almost two decades.

The vote is expected to be held in late April, but Redbridge Council are still in the process of finalising the exact date.

Mr Wilson said: "Allan Burgess' death was a tremendous loss to the people of Wanstead who he had loyally served for 19 years.

"Allan was a true servant to the community and liked and respected in his ward, in the Borough and across the political divide.

"It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to continue his work."

Every party which stood last time has now declared their candidates.

They are:

Conservative Party Alex Wilson

Green Party Ashley Gunstock

Labour Party Ross Hatfull

Liberal Democrats Kate Garrett

At the last Wanstead ward contest, part of the local Government elections in 2006, the Greens, Labour, the Lib Dems and the Conservatives all stood.

The Tories won all three seats, with a turnout of 44.9 per cent.

Labour's candidates were the runners-up.