FORMER parliamentary candidate Simon Cordon has thrown his hat into the ring for the forthcoming local by-election. The Liberal Democrats have announced he will be their candidate for the by-election for Surrey County Council's Godalming South, Milford and Witley division. However, his candidacy will not be formally declared until next week when nominations close. The seat has been made vacant following the death of Conservative councillor Maureen Nyazai, who lost her battle with cancer. Mrs Nyazai was also a Waverley borough councillor for the Godalming Holloway ward. A by-election to fill that vacancy is also set to take place on a date yet to be set. Mr Cordon had contested the South West Surrey parliamentary seat for the past two general elections. He came close to grabbing the seat from Virginia Bottomley in 2001 before her replacement, Jeremy Hunt, boosted the Conservative majority and made the seat safe at this year's general election. Afterwards he vowed to take time away from the public eye before deciding on his next course of action. "I remain very keen to work for the local community in whatever role makes sense," he said. "With the general election well over, it is my view that we should put all party politics to one side and concentrate on the needs of the community. "It is in that spirit that I have considered the invitation to contest the county council by election." Nominations for both the Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council by-elections close at noon on Thursday, August 18. For details about becoming a candidate, contact the election officer at the borough council on 01483 523333.