UKIP has announced its candidate for the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election.

On Friday the party confirmed that Liz Phillips will be standing for UKIP in the up and coming by-election.

Mrs Phillips said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the UKIP candidate. I have been at the heart of the Brexit debate for decades, working as an assistant for Nigel Farage and Gerard Batten. I look forward to getting the campaign underway this weekend and fighting for UKIP in a constituency I know and love”.

Mrs Phillips has previously stood for UKIP at local and parliamentary elections in Brecon and Radnorshire – notably in the 2001 and 2005 General Elections.

The by-election for the vacant Brecon and Radnorshire seat was triggered after Government chief whip Julian Smith moved the writ at the start of business in the Commons on Thursday, June 27, to initiate the contest, which is required after a successful recall petition removed Tory Chris Davies following his conviction for faking expenses claims.

By-elections take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of a writ, resulting in polling day on Thursday, August 1.

UKIP Brecon & Radnor Chairman, Clive Easton said: “UKIP has worked tirelessly in the constituency to stand up for local people, recently opposing the imposition of the Hendy windfarm. Liz Phillips has a long history in Brecon & Radnorshire, helping farmers and the local community since the 1990s – she is the ideal candidate”.

Leader of UKIP Wales, Neil Hamilton AM, added: “UKIP will fight a robust campaign, sending a clear message to Westminster politicians that they must honour the result of the EU Referendum. Moreover, UKIP will use this by-election to promote its policies for Wales and kickstart the campaign to scrap the failed Welsh Assembly”.

The poll takes place on August 1.

Nominated candidates are:

Welsh Conservatives: Chris Davies

Welsh Labour: Tom Davies

Welsh Liberal Democrats: Jane Dodds

Brexit Party: Des Parkinson

UKIP: Liz Phillips

The Official Monster Raving Loony Party: The Pink Lady Lily