The chair of the organisation which runs one of the most successful gay festivals in the UK has resigned to pursue a political career.

David Harvey has announced that he is standing down as the chair of the Pride in Brighton and Hove committee just two days after being selected to stand as the Labour candidate for Brighton's Queen's Park ward.

Mr Harvey was the shock selection as candidate as he was chosen instead of former leader and Labour stalwart Ken Bodfish, who had been the candidate and held the seat since 1984.

It is believed that Mr Harvey was chosen instead of Mr Bodfish to help pull the pink vote in Queen's Park. It is believed Labour chose a gay community representative in anticipation that the Green party may field their openly gay councillor Simon Williams in the ward.

Coun Williams currently holds a seat in the St Peter's and North Laine ward where there are three seats, all held by the Greens.

Mr Harvey leaves the Brighton and Hove Pride organisation after nearly three-and-a-half years, having been elected in November 2002.

Since becoming chair, Pride has gained charitable status and funding from Brighton and Hove City Council. It has also gained sponsorship aid and has now become a year-long festival.

Pride had been a week of summer events, culminating in a one-day carnival through the city streets with a festival in Preston Park, Brighton, in August. There is now also winter Pride, with a number of events held in the city during the winter to raise money for Pride.

The Brighton and Hove Pride event has become one of the most successful free lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events in the UK. Many other similar events in cities across the UK have either collapsed or become ticket only.

Mr Harvey has said that Pride will be in safe hands despite his departure. He said: "In addition to the existing trustees, we have new volunteer trustees of an extremely high calibre with a fantastic small team of highly dedicated staff and volunteers. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped Pride grow during my time as chair."

Pride trustee Kath Browne joined the board in 2004. She said: "David has worked tirelessly for Pride over the past years and we wish him every success in the new direction he has taken. The board remains committed to staging the most successful free LGBT event and festivals in the UK and will ensure the charity remains community-led and focused."

Pride has grown over the past 15 years to become the city's biggest annual event. Last year more than 120,000 people attended the August weekend festivities.

Mr Harvey will relinquish the Pride reins with immediate effect. A new chair will be elected on March 16.

Pride's operations manager PJ Aldred is keen to encourage both local and national companies to come forward with their support to ensure the festival remains free.