Labour will put an anti-parking charges message at the centre of its campaigns in two by-elections triggered by the resignation of two Conservative councillors.

Voters will go to the polls in the Queens ward in Attleborough on Thursday July 19 following the resignation of Simon Rogers, who has moved to Cornwall.

Mr Rogers joined Breckland Council in 2009 after winning a by-election by 191 votes, but was re-elected unopposed in last year's district elections.

Labour has selected sports journalist John Williams to fight the seat, while Conservatives will chose their candidate this week.

Mr Williams said: 'If elected, I would make it a priority to speak out against any plans to impose car parking charges in the district. Local shops and businesses, including ones here in Attleborough are already finding trading conditions difficult enough without this added burden that can only have a detrimental effect on trade.

'In addition, parking charges will only encourage on-street parking in residential streets off the town centre – a further problem in an already overstretched road system.'

A second by-election will be held at a later date in Harling and Heathlands ward, near Thetford, following the resignation of senior Tory Lady Kay Fisher.

She said: 'Unfortunately my husband's family has got a joint arrangement with the Crown Estate putting forward development plans for Thetford. Of course that conflicts with my probity and I would have to declare an interest in almost everything, and I can't represent my electorate like that.

'I shall miss hugely my parish work because they are such lovely characters and it's a huge joy.'

Labour has selected Stephen Green, who trailed Lady Kay by more than 500 votes in last year's election, to fight the seat again. He also voiced his opposition to car parking charges.