SIX challengers will go head-to-head in the crucial new battle for political power in York.

Nominations for the Heworth by-election closed at noon yesterday, ahead of the September 10 showdown that could shift the balance of influence at the city’s Guildhall.

The Conservatives, Greens, Liberal Democrats and Labour all confirmed their choices, previously reported in The Press, but it also emerged the British National Party and Monster Raving Loony Party will contest the seat, which became vacant when Labour’s Paul Blanchard resigned last month.

One of the candidates, Conservative Andrew Whitney, today said he feared the MPs’ expenses scandal at Westminster could deter people from voting, with many people on the doorstep saying they had been turned off politics.

He said: “I hope what people have seen nationally, from the expenses point of view, will not tarnish the by-election but so many people have said there is no point voting anymore, and that’s sad.”

Labour’s Barbara Boyce said she had generally had a good reaction from voters.

The ward has been a Labour stronghold in recent years, but the party polled only a sixth of the vote at the European elections, as its national ratings plummeted.

If the Conservatives or Liberal Democrats win the seat, then Labour will lose the ability to force a tie by aligning with the Greens on tight votes at Guildhall, in cases when the Conservatives abstain.

Denise Craghill, of the Greens, said: “People on the doorstep are fed up with all the other main parties, particularly following the expenses scandal.

“While many are still undecided, there is a feeling it is time for fresh voices in politics.”

Jeff Kelly, who stood in the ward in 2007 and polled 507 votes, shall again contest the seat for the BNP. He said: “If elected, I pledge to be a straight-talking councillor with a common sense approach to the issues that matter to you.”

Well-known Elvis impersonator Eddie Vee shall fight the seat for the Monster Raving Loony Party.

He said: “The old guard have all had their chance – it’s time for a new Loony order.”

Jen Ayre, of the Liberal Democrats, said she was “delighted” with the response on doorsteps. She said: “I expect a tough election fight but the excellent, experienced team working with me means residents will see real, practical benefits of having active representation on the council.”

The candidates are:

• Jen Ayre (Liberal Democrat)

• Barbara Boyce (Labour)

• Denise Craghill (Green Party)

• Jeff Kelly (British National Party)

• Andrew Whitney (Conservative)

• Eddie Vee (Monster Raving Loony Party).