The United Kingdom Independence Party have announced that Councillor Diane James has been chosen as the party's candidate in the Eastleigh by election. After the announcement Cllr James said: "I am honoured to have been selected for Eastleigh by UKIP and I plan to fight hard and show the people of the constituency that they can vote for someone with integrity and commitment; a real opposition to the failed policies of the coalition and the virtually invisible Labour Party."
The UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: "Diane has a successful record as a healthcare and political campaigner and she wants to stand up for ordinary communities who are being so badly affected by the coalition government in this country."
The Labour party are to announce their candidate tomorrow and nominations close at Midday on Wednesday. The confirmed candidates are:
Howling Loud Hope - Monster Raving Loony PartyHutchings, Maria - Conservative Party
James, Diane - United Kingdom Independence Party
Maclennan, Ian - National Health Action Party
Proctor, Darren - Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition
Thornton, Mike - Liberal Democrat Party
The Poll takes place on Thursday 28th February 2013
