It hasn't happened often since last May but with your help it can, right here in the East Midlands, according to Ed Maxfield.

On 15th September, voters in Carlton, just outside Nottingham, go to the polls to choose a new Borough Councillor. The by-election follows the resignation of a Labour councillor who served just three months in the job.

The Liberal Democrat candidate in the election is Andrew Ellwood who was the ward's councillor until May when he lost to Labour by just FOUR votes.

Ed Maxfield, one of our 2009 European Election candidates, spent Saturday evening canvassing with Andrew in the ward.

Ed says: "The election can be won if Andrew gets enough help between now and polling day.

"People are cross with Labour because their councillor quit after such a short time in the job. But I was really struck by how many people recognised the hard work Andrew had done as their local councillor up to May.. The election will be close, and the Labour Party machine will pull out all the stops to hold the seat. Andrew deserves to win, though, and he deserves your help."

The Gedling Borough Council by-election for Phoenix Ward will take place on Thursday 15th September.

You can contact Andrew on on 0115 8599168 or mobile 07776 410556 or you can email him on andrewmellwood@yahoo.co.uk