Sir Michael: died days after the General Election

July 31 for Uxbridge Poll

The poll is the first major popularity test for the Labour Government and Tony Blair's leadership.

Sir Michael defended the seat at the General Election with a majority of just 724.

The Tories have chosen a local businessman, John Randall, as their candidate in the face of competition from several former ministers, including the former Transport Minister, John Watts.

Mr Randall, 42, was Sir Michael's agent. He has lived in Uxbridge all his life.

The Labour candidate is a barrister, Andrew Slaughter, 36. His appointment was announced after the party's NEC decided not to shortlist David Williams, their General Election candidate - to the annoyance of local party activists.

Mr Slaughter is the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council in London. He is a former Labour researcher, is single and lives in London, where he was born and educated.

The Liberal Democrat candidate is Keith Kerr, 41, General Manager (Customer Services) for British Airways, based at Heathrow Airport. According to the Liberal Democrats he is "the most senior black manager in the FTSE 100 companies".

Other candidates include: Ian Anderson, the National Democrats party chairman, and Screaming Lord Sutch of the Monster Raving Loony Party. It will be the 42nd general or by-election he has contested.