The Labour Party launched its bid yesterday to take a crucial seat on Norfolk County Council which it lost by one vote to UKIP almost eight weeks ago.

Labour's previously defeated candidate, Terry Jermy, will again run for the Thetford West division after UKIP's victorious councillor, Peter Georgiou, resigned following shoplifting revelations sparking a by-election.

Mr Georgiou quit six weeks after winning the division after it emerged he had been questioned by police in May last year for shoplifting from the town's Poundstretcher store on Minstergate.

The incident was dealt with through a 'community resolution' with Mr Georgiou being banned from the store and paying for the items rather than going to court.

Backed by his party's supporters, Mr Jermy, Labour leader on Breckland Council, said: 'We need a hardworking councillor for Thetford who is proven and knows what they are doing.'

If Labour take the division they will become the second biggest party at County Hall with 15 councillors to UKIP's 14.

UKIP, who also took Thetford East in May's elections, are yet to announce their candidate.

Mr Jermy, who represents Saxon ward on Breckland Council said: 'The loss by one vote shows that every vote counts. I will be trying to encourage people to vote.'

He added: 'I have lived in Thetford my whole life. I know the issues. It is about communicating them to people.'

Mr Jermy said there would be little change from his previous campaign, with education his priority.

The by-election will be held on Thursday August 1 with the count taking place on Friday August 2.

The Conservative candidate will be Tristan Ashby who stood for the seat in May.

He took 353 votes, 15pc of the vote.