Parmjit Singh Gill and Sir Peter Soulsby have council experience

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have all declared their hand - with the remainder deciding soon.

Former city council leader Sir Peter Soulsby is standing for Labour and Councillor Parmjit Singh Gill, will be representing the Liberal Democrats.

The Greens candidate is Bob Ball while the Conservatives are expected to name their candidate on Monday.

The Respect anti-war coalition is also likely to name a candidate next week, while the UK Independence Party may also decide to put up.

Mr Soulsby will be defending a majority of 13,000 but at present the Liberal Democrats have 14 of the 18 council seats in Leicester South.

No date has yet been set for the by-election but it is thought likely to take place next month.