A NEWLY-ELECTED councillor has announced he is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Robert Mcintosh, who was elected as Labour’s first councillor for Rottingdean Coastal last month, received the diagnosis followed by routine screening during campaigning for the by-election.

He said he regards himself as fortunate to have received an early diagnosis and has urged residents in Brighton and Hove to undergo regular screens and tests to detect such conditions while they are still treatable.

Cllr Mcintosh will undergo surgery next week and has asked for patience from residents during his post-operation recovery.

The councillor narrowly beat an independent candidate backed by councillor Bridget Fishleigh in a by-election in May.

The by-election was triggered by the sudden resignation of former Conservative councillor Joe Miller earlier this year.

In a meeting of annual council last month, Cllr Mcintosh was appointed to sit on Brighton and Hove City Council’s housing committee and their environment, transport and sustainability committee.