The candidates for an upcoming by-election in North Tyneside have been revealed ahead of voters heading to the polls.
The election was forced after the former leader of the Labour group, Jim Allan, was forced to step down after failing to attend any meetings since November as he battles ill health.
The 71-year-old former deputy mayor has been suffering from giant cell arteritis, a disease that can cause severe headaches and even blindness, and has been shielding as he receives treatment. Mr Allan has also been battling mental health issues and coping with the serious illness of another family member.
