TWO more candidates have been named for an upcoming election to find the Haddington and Lammermuir ward’s fourth councillor on East Lothian Council.

The vice-chairman of Ormiston Community Council has been announced as Labour’s candidate for the seat vacated by the resignation of Conservative councillor Brian Small last month.

Neal Black will represent Labour as they attempt to secure a third seat in the Haddington and Lammermuir ward.

Provost John McMillan and Councillor Shamin Akhtar were elected as Labour councillors in 2017 and will be hoping Mr Black, who works as a learner engagement officer at Edinburgh College, joins them in the ward.

Tom Trotter (SNP) is the other sitting councillor in the ward.

Mr Black also represents Ormiston on Fa’side Area Partnership and has a long association with Ross High RFC, where he is currently the club’s secretary.

He said: “I’m delighted that local members have put their faith in me to contest this important election.

“I can think of no greater honour than being able to serve the community where I was born and have lived my whole life.

“I’m looking forward to giving my all to the campaign and talking to as many people as possible over the coming weeks.

“My priority will always be standing up for local interests and defending local services. The current Labour-led administration has made significant investment in the communities that make up the Haddington and Lammermuir ward.”

Meanwhile, Stuart Crawford will represent the Scottish Liberal Democrats at the by-election, which takes place on May 9.

The count takes place the following day at Meadowmill, near Tranent, with Haddington’s Corn Exchange undergoing a major refurbishment.

Mr Crawford is a writer and journalist, as well as a trustee of Haddington Garden Trust.

He said: “I am really looking forward to being given the chance to represent residents of the Haddington and Lammermuir ward where I live.

“It is important that the concerns of local people in vital local issues such as the pressures increased housing bring on the area are put above party interests.

“Too often local people's views are ignored in the interests of party politics. I seek to reverse this.”

The Scottish Conservatives announced last week that Craig Hoy would be representing them at the by-election.

The SNP have not yet announced a candidate for the by-election.