91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Look East's Stewart White is hosting a live audience debate with the four main candidates bidding to win the Norwich North By-election, on Monday 20 July, from 10.35pm on 91Èȱ¬ One in the East of England.

The special edition of Look East is being broadcast ahead of the by-election, taking place on Thursday 23 July.

The main candidates contesting the seat – Chris Ostrowski (Labour), Chloe Smith (Conservative), April Pond (Liberal Democrat) and Rupert Read (Green Party) – will be taking questions from an invited audience on the issues affecting the constituency today.

The by-election was triggered following the resignation of Ian Gibson who stepped down following allegations over his expenses – an accusation Mr Gibson continues to deny.

The seat of Norwich North covers the northern suburbs of the city, including prosperous areas such as Sprowston and Thorpe St Andrew, as well as some of the city's less well-off areas like Mile Cross.

With a general election less than a year away, much rests on the outcome of this seat. National, as well as regional, issues are likely to come into play.

The special Look East programme is also broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Radio Norfolk and online at bbc.co.uk/norfolk.

There are 12 declared candidates contesting the by-election. In addition to the four main candidates, hopefuls from parties including UK Independence Party, British National Party and various independents are vying to challenge for the vacant seat.

Notes to Editors

The four main candidates taking part in the debate are Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green based on evidence of past and current electoral support in the constituency.

There will be comments from each of the other eight candidates contesting the seat included in film which will be broadcast as part of the programme.

BG