A BY-ELECTION in Hartlepool will not be contested by the UK Independence Party after bosses publicly backed another candidate.

The decision has been taken in the wake of last week's local elections, which saw UKIP claim a 12 per cent share of the vote, but only one seat.

Stephen Allison became the party's first councillor in the North-East, but other candidates suffered from a split vote in many seats.

More than 2,000 people in Hartlepool voted for UKIP, while Labour picked up fewer than 6,000 votes but won nine seats.

Councillor Allison described Labour's control of the council "disastrous and undemocratic" and backed independent Jean Pearson in the Brus ward by-election.

The election - delayed because of the death of Liberal Democrat candidate, Thomas Snowdon - will be held on June 8. Nominations close on Thursday.

The Lib Dems have not selected a replacement yet, so the only candidates to declare by last night were Mrs Pearson and Labour incumbent Trevor Rogan.

Coun Allison said: "I would obviously have preferred another UKIP councillor, but I think the overwhelming evidence is the best interests of Hartlepool would be served by beating Labour in Brus ward."

After last Thursday's elections, Labour increased its number of councillors to 27 and the Lib Dems' representation was cut from nine to seven. The Conservatives stayed the same on four, while UKIP's win cut the number of independents to nine, including Mayor Stuart Drummond.

Dave Pascoe, UKIP's Hartlepool press agent, said: "The Labour Party have only minority support among the public yet has a majority in the council chamber. It's time to start redressing the balance."

* Additional candidates can obtain nomination packs from the election office on (01429) 523088.