Watford Conservatives are hoping sparks will fly at the ballot box after selecting an electrician to fight the Oxhey by-election on June 21.

Joseph Gornicki is hoping to ‘socket’ to the other parties and connect with voters on issues such as better parking facilities, safer roads and cleaner streets.

He said: “I am committed to delivering a vision for Oxhey that is in line with what residents expect and deserve. I have listened to the people of Oxhey and I believe I can not only address these issues but also find practical solutions.”

Mr Gornick has also spearheaded local opposition to plans for the Happy Hour pub, on Eastbury Road, to be converted into housing.

He added: “We have a fantastic Conservative MP, police and crime commissioner and county council all working hard to ensure Watford is the best place to live and work in the UK, yet we are terribly underrepresented on the borough council."

The by-election takes place following the election of former Oxhey councillor Peter Taylor as Mayor of Watford.