Labour has confirmed its candidates for the Chadsmead by-election.
Colin Ball will contest the Lichfield District Council poll, while Phil Sutcliffe will hope to win the seat on Lichfield City Council.
Both positions have become vacant following the resignation of Liberal Democrat Marion Bland due to ill health.
Mr Ball, who is a volunteer with Fusion Credit Union and chair of the North Lichfield Initiative, said housing in Lichfield would be one of the main areas he hoped to highlight during his by-election campaign.
He said Government cuts meant Midland Heart’s Foyer scheme in the city – which gives homes and support to vulnerable 16 to 25-year-olds – was set to close.
“This 19 bedroom facility gives vital support to vulnerable young people who might otherwise be sleeping rough or worse,” he said.
“Lichfield District Council must do all it can to investigate ways it can keep this facility open. They have a responsibility for housing homeless people and they can provide funds to help whilst a permanent solution is found.”
Labour say they are hopeful voters will back both candidates given they both live within the ward they hope to represent.
Cllr Sue Woodward, Leader of the Lichfield District Council Labour Group, said: “In Colin Ball and Phil Sutcliffe we have two excellent candidates and we will all be working hard to support them.
“Colin has already proved an effective representative when in 2013 he took the lead in Lichfield over the District Council’s attempt to cut community transport and helped to organise a petition of over 1,500 names that stopped the Conservatives in their tracks and saved our Community Transport service.”
The Liberal Democrats have confirmed that Paul Ray will contest both seats on their behalf.
