An astonishing 13 candidates have been nominated by the Official Monster Raving Loony Party to run for a seat on Kingston Council in the upcoming Chessington South Ward by-election.

The Casual Count of Corinthian, Rev. Robbie the Radical Recyclist and Kingstonian Newt are three of the candidates known collectively as the 'lucky 13' from the Lucky Rover Pub in Chessington.

They are standing alongside candidates from the Labour, Conservative, Trade Unionist and Socialist, Liberal Democrat and Green parties, plus Michelle Akintoye from the Chessington Matters - Kingston Independent

Residents Group.

Nominations for the seat closed yesterday and candidates were officially announced today. The full list of nominees is available HERE

The Chessington South by-election will take place on May 6, the same day as other local elections across the country including the London Mayoral election.

It was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Democrat Councillor Patricia Bamford, known as Trisha, in November last year. She left after 22 years of service on the Council due to changes in her family situation.

In a statement at the time, Councillor Bamford said: "I have always done my utmost to represent the interests of Chessington South residents and businesses, South of the Borough Neighbourhood, as well as the wider Royal Borough of Kingston.

"I have today resigned as Councillor for Chessington South, a privileged role I have held for over 22 years.

"I have learned so many things during my time and have met some wonderful people as a Councillor, having taken on many roles and responsibilities most of which I thoroughly enjoyed."