BBC News - Rochester and Strood by-election candidates 24 October 2014 Last updated at 18:39 A by-election is to be held in the constituency of Rochester and Strood, Kent, on 20 November. It comes after sitting Conservative MP Mark Reckless defected to UKIP. He will be standing for UKIP in the by-election. Local councillor Kelly Tolhurst will stand for the Tories. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Britain First have also chosen candidates to contest the seat. The Conservatives held an open primary to select their candidate. Election debate BBC South East is hosting a special by-election debate featuring the candidates on 8 November. If you live or work in the Rochester and Strood area, have a question for them and would like to take part in the debate then email your name, address and daytime phone number to the BBC.