The battle lines have been drawn for the latest by-election on November 10, which promises to be a closely fought affair.

A seat representing St Mary’s Ward is up for grabs after the incumbent, independent candidate Joan Coupland, was thrown off the council for not attending enough meetings.

Ms Coupland, 69, was a councillor for 14 years and had been battling suspected cancer during her absence from Town Hall.

Candidates from Labour, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and the Green Party will now fight it out for a place in Islington’s corridors of power.

Lesley Seary, Islington Council’s chief executive, said: “Our priority is to make sure everyone who is entitled to vote can do so and that the by-election and count are run smoothly.

“Over 9,000 people are entitled to vote - by post or in person. Whatever method they choose, our job is to make it easy and reliable.

“Our website www.islington.gov.uk will have all the voter registration deadlines, polling day and postal vote details.”

A full list of candidate nominations will be published on 18 October.