A local locksmith has been selected by residents as the Labour Party's candidate for South Oxhey by-election.

Stephen King, 44, of Blairhead Drive, will now represent the party at the by-election, to be held on September 24.

The Hayling by-election for the vacant seat on Three Rivers District Council was triggered by the resignation of former councillor, Kerron Cross.

Mr Cross has accepted a new job working for a church and could no longer continue in the role.

Mr King has lived on the South Oxhey estate since 1973 says he knows the area like “the back of his hand”.

A local locksmith, Mr King is already a parish councillor. He says he will be campaigning for an improved service on Arriva’s number one bus route during the morning rush-hour and has organised a petition against the introduction of car parking charges in South Oxhey, which he says would “damage local trade”.