The byelection to replace former Kingston Conservatives leader Howard Jones has been announced.

The St James ward ballot will take place on Thursday, December 18.

Coun Jones, the first Conservative leader to win an election in Kingston for 20 years, died last month at the age of 71 following a year-long battle with cancer.

His funeral was held at St James Church in New Malden on Thursday.

Candidates have until 4pm this Friday, November 21, to submite their nomination papers to Kingston Council.

New applications to vote by post and requests to change or cancel existing postal or proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Guildhall by 5pm on Wednesday, December 3.

New applications to vote by proxy must be received by Wednesday December 10.

Voters already registered to vote by proxy on the grounds of disability or work commitments must apply to do so again before 5pm on the day of the election.