12 to contest Norwich by-election

The candidate list for the Norwich North by-election has been published, with 12 people confirmed as standing.

The poll, to take place on 23 July, was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Ian Gibson after he was deselected over his expenses claims.

Dr Gibson had a majority of 5,459 over the Conservatives in 2005.

Among the independents standing is Craig Murray, former Ambassador to Uzbekistan, who left the post in 2004 after criticising its human rights.

The Labour candidate is Chris Ostrowski while Chloe Smith is representing the Conservatives and April Pond is standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Rupert Read is standing for the Greens, Glenn Tingle for the UK Independence Party and Robert West for the BNP.

Laud Howling is standing on behalf of The Official Monster Raving Loony Party while Thomas Burridge is representing The Libertarian Party and Anne Fryatt is representing the None of The Above Party.

Peter Baggs and Bill Holden are also standing as independents.

The full list of candidates (in alphabetical order):

Peter Baggs (Independent)

Thomas Burridge (Libertarian Party)

Anne Fryatt (None of The Above Party)

Bill Holden (Independent)

Laud Howling (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)

Craig Murray (Put An Honest Man into Parliament)

Chris Ostrowski (Labour)

April Pond (Liberal Democrat)

Rupert Read (Green)

Chloe Smith (Conservative)

Glenn Tingle (UK Independence Party)

Robert West (British National Party)