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A by-election has been called in the Penmaen ward, two months after the passing of Labour councillor Jim Sadler.

Cllr Roy Saralis, who represented the Penmaen ward alongside Cllr Sadler, confirmed the news to Caerphilly Observer and said he expects the election to take place sometime between August 24 and 31 this year.

He said: “We knew it had to be done at some point but we’re disappointed that its been called now during the holiday period. I wanted it to be held in September but now we have to get ready.”

Cllr Saralis also confirmed Labour’s candidate at the by-election will be Elizabeth Davies.

“We’re going to be very busy now over the next month or so”, Cllr Saralis said. We’ll do our best to win it and I think it’s important that we look to honour the work that Jim did”, he added.

Mayor of Blackwood Town Council, Cllr George Edwards, will stand as an independent. He too voiced his frustration at the timing of the by-election: “I don’t think any of the parties have a fair chance honestly.

“It would have made a lot more sense to hold it in September when everyone is back from their holidays.”

The Liberal Democrats will also be putting up a candidate in the ward, policy officer for south Wales East Steve Aicheler said: “We’ve selected Jonathon Errington to represent us and this will be the first time we’ve stood in the Penmaen ward.

“It’s going to be a challenge over the summer when voters may not be engaged or away on holiday but we believe the people of Penmaen deserve a choice.”

The Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru are yet to announce their candidates and have been contacted for comment.

Caerphilly County Borough Council is set to announce details of the by-election in due course.