The Conservatives have announced their shortlist for the Clacton by-election to be held on October 9.

East Anglian Daily Times: Giles WatlingGiles Watling (Image: Archant)

Tomorrow night voters from the Clacton Conservative Association will choose whether they want Sue Lissimore or Giles Watling as their constituency candidate.

The by-election was prompted by former Conservative MP Douglas Carswell defecting to UKIP last month.

Mrs Lissimore has been a Colchester Borough Councillor since 2006 and a councillor for Essex County Council since 2013.

The mother of three currently works at her family business, RL Lissimore Electricians and is also a trustee of the Straight Road Community Centre and supporter of Westlands Country Park .

Mr Watling is a father of two who has sat on Tendring District Council since 2007.

He works as an actor, director and producer and is a trustee director of the Royal Theatrical Fund. He is also a fundraiser for a group giving disabled children access to sailing.

Simon Martin-Redman, chairman of Clacton Conservative Association, said: “We have shortlisted two exceptional candidates both of whom would make excellent campaigners for Clacton, Frinton and the surrounding areas.

“There’s a strong contrast between the Conservatives, who are giving all local voters a say in selecting our candidate and UKIP who forced out their democratically selected candidate in order to allow Mr Carswell to stand.

“There’s been a huge amount of interest in our open primary and I urge all local residents to register and join us on Thursday evening.”