The daughter of a former regional daily journalist and councillor who died last month is standing to replace him in the seat left vacant by his death.

As reported on HTFP, former Teesside Gazette reporter Mike Clark passed away aged 61 after a short battle with cancer in June.

Mike served as a Labour councillor in Stockton Council’s Grangefield ward alongside wife Carol, and now his daughter Eleanor is standing for the same party in the by-election triggered by his death.

Mike, whose career also saw him serve as head of communications for Middlesbrough Council, had represented Grangefield since 2011.

Eleanor, left, and her late father Mike Clark

Eleanor said: “My dad was a very good father. Me and my brothers were lucky to have a hands-on father who took us places on weekends and encouraged us.

“The things he did by carrying on his work as a councillor when he was so ill were so inspirational.

“To carry on putting other people first is a testament to the kind of man he was.”

She added: “I hope to continue Dad’s work in the Grangefield ward as I know very well the ideas and thoughts he had to make it an even better place to live.

“I am enthusiastic about joining my mother to provide the high standard of service to the local community that they have grown accustomed to.”