Reform UK has selected Pete Newman, a former Metropolitan Police detective, to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election scheduled for October 8.
Newman served with the Met between 2004 and 2009, focusing on crime reduction and counter-terrorism initiatives across London. According to the party, he was instrumental in leading the force's response in Westminster following the July 7, 2005 bombings. He has since worked as a security and investigative consultant.
Newman's candidacy places him on the ballot alongside Conservative candidate Ewan Cameron, Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali, Liberal Democrat Patrick Stillman, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Speaking about his decision to enter the race, Newman expressed dismay at the current state of crime and policing in London. "Residents no longer feel safe, and our police officers are struggling to cope," he stated.
The deadline for candidate nominations is 4:00 PM BST on Tuesday.