Candidates announced in Rotherham by-election

Labour is fielding Kieran Bold, a case worker for Rother Valley MP Jake Richards, while Neil Collett, a Kimberworth Park resident, is standing as an independent on July 10.

He joins Neil Collett, a Kimberworth Park resident, who is standing as an independent candidate in the July 10 vote.

Kieron’s campaign was launched at the weekend, where he was joined by Rotherham Council leader Chris Read and MP Sarah Champion, speaking to voters in Thorpe Hesley.

He said: “For too long under the Tories communities like ours missed out.

“People were hit hard by the cost of living crisis and over a decade of cuts to our services. Now we can make real change.

“We’ve already been talking to hundreds of local residents about how we can improve our area – delivering on Labour’s investment to ensure the Black Hut community centre is reopened so local groups can start to use it again, expand the GP surgery at Sough Hall in Thorpe Hesley, and improving our local parks and roads.

“All of that can be lost if we don’t make the case for it.

“I’ve lived in Bradgate and Kimberworth Park and now I’m just down the road, so this is a corner of the borough I know well and I’d be honoured to be able to represent people here.

“But I’m taking absolutely nothing for granted.”

Kieran’s professional background includes spent time working with the NHS and South Yorkshire Police, where he helped improve IT systems and processes for patients, officers, and staff.

He also volunteered with the council to support travel services for individuals with varying needs.

Neil Collett is heavily involved in the S61 litter pickers group, which was formed during the Covid lockdown and has endured in the community since.

He campaigns on the catchphrase ‘Here when there wasn’t an election’ to emphasise his long-term commitment to the area.

He said: “For years I have worked hard to improve Keppel ward through my voluntary work, winning awards for it, too.

"The question voters need to ask candidates is not necessarily what you are going to do for Keppel ward, but what you have done already.”