The Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for next month’s by-election to replace former council leader Derek Osbourne.

Lesley Heap, wife of Kingston councillor Trevor Heap, will be standing for election to Beverley ward  in New Malden on July 25 – the same ward as her Lib Dem husband.

The by-election has been called after Mr Osbourne resigned last week following his arrest on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

Mrs Heap, a swimming teacher, is the first by-election candidate to be unveiled by any party.

It is the first time she has stood for election to Kingston Council.

Announcing Mrs Heap as the candidate on its website, the Beverley Liberal Democrats said: "Lesley is a former NHS employee who worked in community medicine. She now works as a Junior swimming coach.

"Lesley and her family have lived in New Malden, in Beverley ward, for 12 years.

"She will continue the work of the New Malden Focus Team to ensure the car park entrance at New Malden station stays open, and that access and services are improved."

Other parties have not named their candidates yet.

At the last Beverley ward election in 2010 the Liberal Democrats held all three seats with Mr Osbourne polling 2,138 votes.

Beverley ward results in 2010 council elections

OSBOURNE Derek Richard Liberal Democrat 2138 15% Elected
HEAP Trevor John Tyson Liberal Democrat 2081 15% Elected
JAMES Simon Alexander Liberal Democrat 2044 15% Elected
BOWIS Caroline Conservative 1738 13% Not elected
SPRAGGS Darren Conservative 1591 11% Not elected
HEAD Mike Conservative 1530 11% Not elected
BRAITHWAITE Duncan Errol Labour 657 5% Not elected
WALKER Chris Green Party 581 4% Not elected
PRICE Roger John Labour 566 4% Not elected
SELLAYAH Dyan Labour 474 3% Not elected
HANCOCK Valerie Ann Christian Peoples Alliance 158 1% Not elected
CAMPANALE David Bruno Christian Peoples Alliance 139 1% Not elected
RILEY Mark Christian Peoples Alliance 139 1% Not elected