THE widow of popular Labour councillor Paddy Kavanagh will stand at the crucial John O'Gaunt bye-election on September 28 - as an independent!

Sheila Kavanagh says it was her late husband's wish that she represent local people and continue their good work in the ward.

The Independent group candidate has stepped down to make way for Sheila, who had hoped to win the Labour nomination.

Sheila's bid for the safe Labour seat has stunned many at the town hall but she has vowed to continue in her husband's footsteps.

"It was always Patrick's wish that I would stand in my home ward and that is my firm intention," she said. "I hope all those people who have supported us in the past will be kind enough to do so in the future."

At the weekend the Labour group chose Richard Newman-Thompson as their candidate from a list of Labour heavyweights like Bob Clark and Jerry Sutton.

"Maybe they want someone who will make a stand for national Labour policies," she added, "But I was very disappointed that all the hard work I've put in over the last few years didn't seem to count."

If elected, Sheila will join the Independent group on the council for administrative purposes.

Independent group leader Tricia Heath was delighted and said: "We will be honoured to accept Sheila into the independent group. She has worked hard for the area alongside her husband and should be allowed to continue with that commitment without any party political nonsense. We will give her the support she needs, both during the election and with any future ward work."

In 1996-7, Sheila was deputy mayoress and gave active support to the mayoral charity which raised £16,000 in cash and equipment for St John Ambulance and Queen Victoria Hospital.

She has two children and three grandchildren.