The Labour Party will put forward 12 candidates in the May 4 county council elections, focusing on urban areas, the local party has announced.

The 12 will stand on a platform of “Value for Your Money”, campaining for funds to be better used to support the county’s needs.

They are: Neil Barrington (Widemarsh, Hereford); Anna Coda (Bobblestock, Hereford); Nick Comley (Leominster South); Joseph Emmett (Newton Farm, Hereford); Melvin Rodgers (Ross North); Liam Holman (Bromyard West); Will Hopkins (Ledbury South); Kath Hey (College, Hereford); Bilge Kupeli (Whitecross, Hereford); Ed Philpot (Ross West); Adam Spencer (Aylestone Hill, Hereford); Steven Woolley (Eign Hill, Hereford).

Last month Kath Hey, the only serving county councillor of the 12, switched to Labour from the Independents for Herefordshire group.

Coun Hey said: “The residents of the county deserve the chance to vote for a party that promotes opportunity and equality for all.”

Local party members who are interested in standing can still do so. Nominations close on April 4.

The party is meanwhile organising a debate on the city bypass issue at Saxty’s cocktail bar and restaurant, Hereford, on the evening of Wednesday March 15.