A mayor has resigned due to ill-health – reportedly after clashing with an authority leader over an alleged planned 9% council tax increase.

Independent councillor Anthony White cited stress as the reason he resigned as a Seaford town councillor and the area’s civic figurehead.

It comes after reports of a clash with Tory council leader Ian White, who is rumoured to be proposing a 9% increase in council tax for 2014/15.

Coun Anthony White said: “I have post-traumatic stress disorder and the extra stress of being a councillor, let alone the mayor, has made my condition worse.

“The extra stress off the position has led to severe depression and has affected my home life.

“I just want to concentrate on getting better and having time to spend enjoying my family.”

The alleged rise, which comes on the back of a 3.1% increase last year while other authorities voted for a freeze, would see the average contribution for a B and D property would go from £52.38 to £57.

The Argus understands a number of Conservatives councillors have questioned the decision.

One member of the Conservative group told The Argus: “The leader wants to bring a motion of no confidence to the council meeting on January 16 together with a planned 9% council tax increase.

“The leader is very keen in bringing a motion to council but we are pleading with him not to.”

The details are set to be confirmed with the unveiling of the agenda on January 10.

Coun Ian White was not available for comment at the time of going to print.