A BY-ELECTION to replace disgraced former Dartford councillor Kenneth Leadbeater is expected in the autumn.

Leadbeater, who resigned from Dartford’s Heath ward after pleading guilty in court to 14 charges of downloading images of child pornography, is due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court next month.

It is expected the poll may take place in September although Dartford Borough Council says no date has yet been set.

Local political parties have already started the process of choosing candidates to fight the by-election.

Keith Ferrin, the acting chairman of Dartford Conservative Association, said: “We will choose ours as soon as possible, within the next week.”

The New England Party has already picked its contender, Stephen Uncles, of Oakfield Lane, Dartford. He is an IT consultant and married father-of-two.

It was also revealed this week that Leadbeater has resigned from Dartford Conservative Association after a 29-year connection with the organisation.

Mr Ferrin received the resignation letter on Tuesday and said he would have taken steps to expel Mr Leadbeater had he not left.

He said: “I’m glad we don’t have to go through that process now.”