The contest follows the death of Councillor Manjula Sood on Christmas Eve
Rashmikant Joshi, Conservative nominee for the Stoneygate by-election, canvases amid a fly-tipping scene. (Image: Rashmikant Joshi)
The race to fill a vacant seat on Leicester City Council has begun, with eight candidates standing in the Stoneygate by-election.
The contest follows the death of Councillor Manjula Sood on Christmas Eve. Leicester City Council has confirmed the by-election will take place on Thursday, February 19.
Candidates from Labour, the Conservatives, the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are standing, alongside two independents whose campaigns have connections to Your Party.
Below, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) outlines who the candidates are, why they are standing, and the issues they say matter most to them.
Voters who wish to take part are urged to ensure they are registered in advance.
Asit Sodha (Lib Dem)
Asit Sodha, Lib Dem nominee for the Stoneygate by-election. (Image: Asit Sodha)
Asit Sodha is a local businessman who says he is ready to give back to the community he was raised in.
With a portfolio of properties in Leicester, and a history working for a bank’s real estate department, Mr Sodha is confident he has the knowledge and experience required to bring about regeneration in Stoneygate and Leicester more widely.
One property he has already sized up for renewal is the Borders House on Belgrave Boulevard, a former homelessness centre which has been closed for five years. Mr Sodha said that if the site was offered to the open market, it may no longer function as a community hub.
He said: “I have come to a point in my life where I can help the public because I have the time.
“I could have taken on another project but I am dedicating all my time for the community. I have kept my time free for serving the people.”
Aasiya Bora (Greens)
Aasiya Bora, right(Image: Aasiya Bora)
Aasiya Bora decided to get involved in politics after seeing poverty in her community first hand.
The walking and cycling charity worker grew up in Leicester and moved back in 2010 to raise her family. But after training as an English teacher, Mrs Bora said the “truly wanting” situation of children she saw inspired her to roll up her sleeves.
She said: “Children without coats in bitter weather, shoes coming apart. I just thought this is not okay. I have to be more active.”
Mrs Bora, who is also interested in environmental policy and tackling global injustices, has already had a good vote share in previous elections, including for Evington ward in 2021 and the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner election.
She added: “I can’t unsee real poverty in my town. I am in politics to make a difference to people who are vulnerable.”
Michael Barker (independent)
Michael Barker, independent candidate for the Stoneygate by-election. (Image: Michael Barker)
Michael Barker is a college support worker who is an active member of Your Party and Socialist Alternative.
In 2023, Mr Barker used his position on the Trade Union Council to help force the city council to scrap their proposed Workplace Parking Levy – a £550 annual tax on workers who drive to work which was predicted to affect more than 20,000 individuals.
Since then, he has campaigned for a public meeting designed to improve local services and for the release of the Filton 24, a group of imprisoned Palestine activists.
Mr Barker was originally proposed as the Your Party candidate, but following the discovery that another independent was also campaigning from a socialist stance, support was withdrawn.
He said: “I believe both Your Party and Socialist Alternative can play a critical role in the fight to build a socialist society which is run by and for working-class people.
“Now more than ever we need to build a mass campaign across the city, as part of a broader national campaign, which can demand the funding that our communities so desperately need.”
Faisal Noor (independent)
Faisal Noor, independent candidate for the Stoneygate by-election, pictured outside City Hall. (Image: Faisal Noor)
The independent candidate who caught the eye of some Your Party members is Faisal Noor, a taxi driver and cafe owner who has lived in Stoneygate for 24 years.
He said: “It’s the place where I fell in love, raised my family, established my business, and volunteered for the community.
“The time has come up for me to represent. The people of Stoneygate know me – they feel confident to raise their issues with me.”
Mr Noor’s campaign is focussed on better parking, safe and clean streets, and fighting against all cuts made to local services.
Rashmikant Joshi (Conservatives)
Rashmikant Joshi is a former Lord Mayor who describes himself as an “experienced and seasoned” councillor.
He said: “People still come to me for help and guidance. The reason I wanted to stand for the Stoneygate By-election was to continue the work I have been doing for three decades now.”
Mr Joshi used to be a Labour member of Leicester City Council, but after being deselected in a mass dismissal in 2023, defected to the Tories.
Having lived in Leicester for 51 years, he says his biggest priorities are reducing crime, fixing potholes, and tackling litter.
He said: “It is so upsetting to see streets so dirty, filthy. I want to bring back the pride for the local area.”
Michael Dabrowski (Reform UK)
Michael Dabrowski, Reform UK candidate for the Stoneygate by-election. (Image: Michael Dabrowski)
Michael Dabrowski is making a bid for the vacancy after growing dissatisfaction with the current council’s level of service.
He said: “Leicester is my home, and Stoneygate is a community I know well. Like many people who live here, I’ve watched the area change over the years, and not always for the better.
“What frustrates me most is the growing sense that the council no longer listens to residents or delivers the basics properly.
“Labour figures admit the council is under severe financial pressure, yet residents are paying more and getting less in return.”
Mr Dabrowski says that if elected, his focus will be on reducing crime, transport improvements, cleaner streets, and cutting waste in City Hall.
He also vows to oppose the use of local hotels and family homes as accommodation for people he calls “illegal migrants”.
Adam Sabat (Labour)
Adam Sabat, Labour nominee for the Stoneygate by-election. (Image: Leicester Labour)
Adam Sabat moved to Leicester in the 1960s and founded a textiles recycling business after his family fled the war in Burma.
He said: “This experience of displacement and starting anew gave us a profound understanding of resilience and the value of community support.”
As an active member for the Muslim Burial Council and a frequent volunteer for local schools, Mr Sabat says bringing the community together is at the top of his political agenda.
He added: “As well as championing Stoneygate, tackling those day-to-day issues and using my experience in voluntary organisations and business, another thing that really drives me is standing up against division in our community.
“What I am particularly proud of is that my work has always been inclusive, reaching across all communities regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. Leicester’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths.”
Mr Sabat said he will also work on issues surrounding parking, fly-tipping , and anti-social behaviour.
Alef Uddin (One Leicester)
Alef Uddin is campaigning on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, holding the City Mayor to account, and hosting accessible surgeries.
The LDRS did reach out to Mr Uddin’s team but did not receive a response.
However, on the party’s social media, he is quoted as saying “I can be your trusted voice within the City Council”.
