Bradford by-election: Eight candidates fight for seat

Marsha Singh, who has been an MP since 1997, resigned due to health problems

Eight candidates will contest the forthcoming Bradford West by-election caused by the resignation of Labour MP Marsha Singh due to ill health.

Deputy Leader of Bradford Council Imran Hussain seeks to defend the seat for Labour on 29 March.

Other major party candidates are Conservative businesswoman Jackie Whiteley and Liberal Democrat city councillor Jeanette Sunderland.

Also standing is former Respect MP George Galloway.

UKIP's Sonja McNally and Dawud Islam of the Green Party were both announced before the nominations closed on Wednesday night.

The final two candidates are Neil Craig of Democratic Nationalists and Alan 'Howling Laud' Hope, who will stand for the Monster Raving Loony William Hill Party.

Mr Singh held the seat at the 2010 general election with a majority of just under 6,000. The constituency has been held by Labour since 1974.