Labour MP Liam Byrne has thrown his support behind Gerald Dickson, who has been announced as Labour's candidate for the Shard End by-election to Birmingham City Council.
The by-election will take place on Thursday 26 November after Reform UK councillor Alan Feeney stood down from Birmingham and Solihull councils following racist and offensive remarks exposed by an undercover ITV investigation.
Liam Byrne: 'Someone fighting their corner'
"Gerald brings 40 years of public service, including his work as a paramedic and his service as an Army Reservist in the Royal Army Medical Corps," said Liam Byrne, whose Hodge Hill and Solihull North constituency includes the ward. "He understands what it means to serve others, to be there when people need help, and to work hard for the community."
"Shard End deserves a councillor who listens, treats residents with respect, and rolls up their sleeves to get things done," he said. "People want to know that their concerns are heard and that someone is fighting their corner. I'm proud to back Gerald and wish him every success in the by-election."
Back on the doors
Birmingham Labour activists have been out campaigning in the ward since Alan Feeney's resignation, with Liam Byrne saying at the time that Shard End deserved a councillor who would fight for the area and stand up for everyone. Gerald Dickson stood for Labour in neighbouring Sheldon ward at May's city council elections.
