Former Sitcom Star Named Tory Clacton Candidate

12 September 2014, 08:36 | Updated: 12 September 2014, 08:39

A former sitcom actor has been chosen as the Conservative candidate in the Clacton by-election, the party said.

Giles Watling, an actor, director and local councillor who appeared in the 1980s sitcom Bread, was selected at an open primary - where all voters in the constituency are eligible to vote regardless of party affiliation.

He defeated businesswoman and fellow local councillor Sue Lissimore in the vote following a hustings at Clacton town hall.

The by-election was triggered by the defection of the sitting Tory MP Douglas Carswell who announced he was stepping down in order to stand at a Ukip candidate.

If he wins the contest, to be held on October 9, Mr Carswell will become the first Ukip MP to be elected to Parliament.