Each of the major parties have put forward a candidate for the upcoming Kenilworth by-election.

Locals will go to the polls on Thursday 18 September to vote in a new councillor for the Kenilworth Park Hill ward at Warwick District Council.

The election comes following the resignation of the Green's Lara Cron as she moves away from the area.

We asked each candidate for a short statement about their policies and why locals should vote for them.

This is what they said:

Malcolm Graham - Conservative

Kenilworth has been my home for almost 30 years, with over 20 of those in Park Hill. I know our community well and care deeply about its future. 

My professional background is in business management across a range of industries, where I have led organisations, delivered results, and ensured resources were used wisely. 

These are the skills I want to bring to Warwick District Council: clear decision-making, financial responsibility, a focus on what really matters, and the ability to turn plans into action. 

If elected, I will focus on the issues and concerns residents have raised with me on the doorstep, working to reflect their priorities. 

I will do this by collaborating productively with councillors of all parties to achieve the best outcomes for our community. 

Malcolm Graham - Conservatives

John Dubber - Liberal Democrats

I've lived in Kenilworth for 17 years and my three children attend local state primary and secondary schools. In my work life I lead a large education charity, providing a wide range of services and support for students and young people. 

In my spare time I volunteer as a youth football coach in Kenilworth.

As a resident of Park Hill ward I would be honoured to represent our community on Warwick District Council. 

For too long local residents have suffered with traffic and parking problems caused by the construction of HS2 and near Kenilworth School. 

They've also been short-changed by the long and costly delays by both the current and the previous administrations at the district council in bringing forward plans for new affordable and sustainable housing on the Leyes Lane site.

Local residents deserve a champion for our community who will not just listen to but also hear their concerns and who'll fight for pragmatic not ideological solutions at the district council to get things done. 

I'm going to give my all for my community because Kenilworth Park Hill residents deserve better than what they've had in recent years from both Conservative and Green Party councillors.

John Dubber - Liberal Democrats

Nicola Jones - Labour

Park Hill residents deserve representation that gets things done. The old Kenilworth School site needs a practical, high quality plan for development which puts community at its heart, not the Green's unrealistic grandstanding which is creating delay and putting off developers.

I have lived in Kenilworth for 28 years and both my children went to Kenilworth School. I started my professional life as a barrister doing criminal advocacy before working at the University of Warwick. 

Since 2009 I have run my own small business, working with regulatory bodies, construction companies and lawyers.

I am used to speaking up for people and creating change. I understand that families want to feel secure in affordable, high-quality homes, with good local leisure and health services. I have a track record as an advocate and an activist. I get things done.

The fate of the old Kenilworth School site on Leyes Lane is one of the most urgent issues for residents in Park Hill. Labour district councillors have fought for an achievable high-quality development. 

The clock is ticking on getting spades in the ground so we need a developer on-side quickly. We also need a community hub. As the town expands, it is important that residents have safe, inclusive spaces to share close to home.

Residents are also rightly concerned about anti-social behaviour and the need for visible policing. It is crucial to report incidents of crimes and anti-social behaviour so that we can make a well-evidenced case for a police presence. Under Labour leadership, the district council has introduced a community warden scheme in Warwick and Leamington which has been extremely successful in managing and deterring anti-social behaviour. I will work to get that in Kenilworth too.

Labour drove through investment in the Abbey Fields when the Tories opposed them and the Lib Dems sat on the fence. We now see the swimming pool being built. I want to build on that investment to do more especially for our youngsters so that they have constructive things to do and welcoming places to go.

The County Council is responsible for providing proper infrastructure for new developments - roads, pavements, buses, shops etc. We still have the terrible situation of a lack of pavements around the new school on Glasshouse Lane and near Kenilworth Gates.

The Conservatives failed to make provision for these vital elements of civic safety. Now Reform are more worried about flags. I will fight to hold the County Council to account and get the infrastructure we need.

We know the current Reform minority administration, led by an inexperienced youth, is struggling to function. We must make sure that the new unitary authority due in 2027 sets Warwickshire up for success in the future.

I will listen, work hard and fight to ensure Park Hill builds on the great work done by Labour on Warwick District Council.

Nicola Jones - Labour

Timothy Wade - Reform

I'm Timothy Wade, and I live in Honiley/Kenilworth. I am married with one daughter. I own my own business, having worked in Birmingham for 24 years. 

I also have interests in farming and agricultural business. 

I have previously served as a parish councillor and stood for the county council elections this year.

When it comes to my policies, I believe in listening to the people of my ward to understand their needs and desires. 

My approach to dealing with matters is guided by common sense and practicality. 

If elected, I am committed to helping in any way I can, and if an issue falls outside my direct expertise, I will ensure the right person is found to address it for my constituents.

Reform, for me, is not just a political party but a mindset. 

We have lost sight of common sense, and we need to reform how we approach problems and issues. 

We must consider the impact of our decisions on the next generation and beyond.

Timothy Wade - Reform

Alison Firth - Green Party

I'm Alison Firth, former Mayor of Kenilworth and a hard-working member of your local Green Team alongside Warwick District Park Hill Ward Councillors Tracey Drew, James Kennedy and Lowell Williams.

I've lived in Kenilworth since I was six, and for the last 15 years in Park Hill. I care deeply about preserving our community's vibrancy, green spaces, and sense of belonging - while making sure new residents feel welcomed and supported. 

As co-ordinator of the Plastic Free Kenilworth Group, I have also worked with local schools, community groups and businesses to help make Kenilworth a Plastic Free Community. I was also an active member of the Green-led town council making heard the voices and concerns of our community at council meetings.

Professionally, I've been a driving instructor in Kenilworth for 15 years, teaching local young people independence and confidence, and a therapist for eight years. I love Kenilworth and believe in listening and finding common ground. 

Alongside my Green colleagues at district council, I will fight to overcome legacy issues with the old school sites and I'm pleased that there's a clear timeline to build homes we can be proud of in Kenilworth.

It will be Green, Conservative or Reform at this by-election. Please take the time to vote for me on Thursday September 18 as, with my fellow Green district councillors, we will deliver the following:

Competence and fiscal responsibility - Greens at Warwick District Council have looked after the finances and are getting things done. Their plan to fix the deficit they inherited is on track, they've introduced the first soft plastics recycling in the country and more fly-tipping enforcement crews.

Responsible developments - I'll work alongside the council planning officers who are dedicated to Leyes Lane, to ensure new housing is high-quality and well-integrated. I'll hold constructors to account on energy efficient homes, traffic management and active travel infrastructure issues.

Improving our environment - I'll tackle anti-social behaviour in green spaces and open up access to the Cherry Orchard fields for residents. I'll campaign to fix pavements, install better lighting (especially around Glasshouse Lane) and deliver better routes for safe and sustainable travel.

Alison Firth - Green Party