A full list of candidates has been announced ahead of the Teddington byelection, taking place next Thursday 18 January. 

Residents will take to the polls to vote for one of five councillors, across different parties, to be the ward's representative in the council. 

Polling stations are located at Teddington Library and Elleray Hall; remember to bring Voter ID.

Richard Scott Baker. (Photo: Who can I vote for?)

Richard Scott Baker, Lib Dem candidate 

Previously a successful in 2018, Mr Baker is standing again as councillor for the ward. 

At the time of writing Mr Baker has not responded to Nub News' request for comment. 

Elizabeth Foster. (Photo: Elizabeth Foster/Twitter/X)

Elizabeth Foster, Conservative candidate 

Ms Foster stood as Conservative candidate in Teddington in both 2014 and 2018 and was unsuccessful. Having lived in the ward for 45 years, she is interested in helping the community as well as working with the elderly and supporting their needs. She also works with adults with learning disabilities. 

Jonathon Hulley, Conservative candidate for Twickenham, described Ms Foster as "energetic" and "just what the Teddington community needs". 

Rev Dominic Stcokford. (Photo: Who can I vote for?)

Reverend Dominic Stockford, Independent candidate 

As his title suggests, Rev Stockford is pastor of Teddington Christ Church. Standing as an Independent, he said he is offering "an alternative to the usual". Rev Stockford added: "I am standing to give people the opportunity to vote for someone other than those representing the 'legacy parties.' As an independent councillor I will have no other ties and will therefore represent Teddington Ward without fear or favour; party affiliations having no bearing on my work." 

Having lived in Teddington for over 20 years, Rev Stockford explained he wants to do "all [he] can" to help keep the town vibrant. He added: "History is important, but change is part of life, and I would seek to ensure that such change is in the best interests of the people of Teddington Ward".  

Speaking on the causes that mattered to him, Rev Stockford stressed the importance of local businesses and the unprecedented pressure they face. He said: "Each time one fails it affects many people. Therefore, it is important to do what can be done to lighten the load that falls on them." 

"Above all else", Rev Stockford said he wanted to ensure basic council services (bins, street cleaning, pavement mending and the like) are done effectively. He added he wants to ensure support that is offered to the vulnerable, the elderly, and otherwise needy is performed to the highest possible standard. 

James Thompson. (Photo: Who can I vote for?)

James Thompson, Labour candidate 

Expressing how much he likes living in the area, Mr Thompson said he wants to stand as candidate to "get the Labour voice across" and that it is "vital to have an opposition" in the council. He said there are "good [core] labour values that [Teddington] would benefit from" such as social justice, equality and fairness. 

Having grown up with Labour values in his family, Mr Thompson has been an active member of the Party. He was the trade union liaison and then the youth coordinator in City of London and Westminster. Nowadays, he is disability officer for Twickenham labour party where his role is to hold the council to account for caring for children, adults and young people for needs. 

Mr Thompson said he is "keen on" supporting environmental policy with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. He also said he is "very passionate about" stopping the "Teddington Direct River Abstraction" plan. It was also noted the Labour Party's aims were so that Udney Park playing fields could be kept for community use. Mr Thompson also expressed great concern for the "housing crisis" with hidden homelessness and rough sleeping, as well as advocating that people have access to the benefits they deserve. 

Chantal Kerr-Sheppard. (Photo: LinkedIn)

Chantal Kerr-Sheppard, Green candidate 

Standing for councillor stems from Ms Kerr-Shepard's "deep commitment" to environmental sustainability and social justice. She emphasized she wants ensure that Teddington is able to balance the day-to-day needs of its residents and their ways of living alongside protecting and enhancing the local environment. 

Working as a Director at a sustainable start up, Ms Kerr-Sheppard said she works closely with businesses to implement sustainable solutions. She said: "Notable projects, like our involvement as part of the sustainability team at COP26 and our work with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, have given me valuable insights into creating significant environmental and social value in large-scale operations whilst making sure the beneficiaries are local to the event location." 

This professional experience, Ms Kerr-Sheppard said, has equipped her to understand the systemic issues leading to "linear thinking and excessive waste as well as the impact of business actions on local people and the environment they live in". 

If successful, Ms Kerr-Sheppard is hoping to tackle specific local challenges such as Udney Park, the transformation of vacant spaces for community benefit like the Teddington Police Station and fighting for "better solutions" to the proposed Thames Water Teddington Direct River Abstraction plan."I will work towards making Teddington a greener, more connected community, ensuring that it remains a vibrant place to live for current and future generations," Ms Kerr-Sheppard said. Her approach is said to prioritise community engagement, making sure the voices of all residents are heard, focussing on issues like housing, local business support, and community services. 

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A byelection was called after the passing of Martin Elengorn (9 November 2023), the previous Lib Dem councillor for the ward. 

Teddington Nub News will bring you commentary and the results next week.