CONFUSION surrounded the choice of Labour’s candidate for the Pill by-election after the party announced who it was then had a change of heart.

Newport council Labour group’s Cllr Deb Davies told the Argus Pill Labour party members had selected Christopher Herriot to be their candidate for the October 31 poll.

But last night Ms Davies said there was a possibility the Labour party would be unable to endorse him, which means Mr Herriot couldn’t be a candidate at this time. She couldn’t give a reason for the move.

Mr Herriot, of Beechwood, is a university lecturer in politics and social history.

Candidates Zafar ‘Tony’ Ismail for the Tories and the Lib Dem’s Paul Halliday have already announced they are running for the election which takes place on October 31.

Candidates have to submit nomination papers to Newport council by tomorrow for the election called after the death of Cllr Ron Jones. Applications to register to vote must be with the council no later than October 16, and should be sent to Electoral Registration Officer, Room 528, Civic Centre, Godfrey Road, Newport, NP20 4UR.

Postal votes must be requested by October 16 and applications for proxy votes should be in by October 23. Later application on the grounds of physical incapacity occuring after 5pm on October 23 must reach the officer by 5pm on October 31.