THE names of the nine candidates to contest local by-elections in Bury’s Church and North Manor wards have been announced.

Both by-elections, to take place on Thursday, November 15, were triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillors Bob Bibby and Jim Taylor from Bury Council.

Both men, who were cleared of corruption charges earlier this year, cited ill health for their decisions.

Mr Bibby had represented Church ward since May, 1999, and was leader of Bury Council from 2008 to 2011.

Mr Taylor was elected to represent North Manor in May 2000.

Wards and candidates for the by-elections are: CHURCH Stephen Evans (UK Independence Party) Kamran Islam (Liberal Democrats) Sarah Kerrison (The Labour Party) Susan Nuttall (The Conservative Party) NORTH MANOR Ewan Arthur (Liberal Democrats) James Daly (The Conservative Party) Peter Entwistle (UK Independence Party) Stewart Hay (Green Party) Jean Treadgold (The Labour Party).