A former council leader has stepped down from his elected role sparking a by-election.

Brian Oxley, who led Brighton and Hove City Council in 2007, resigned from his role of representing Westbourne ward in Hove this afternoon.

Colleagues said they were shocked by the Conservative councillor's announcement which will spark a by-election, expected to be in the new year.

For full reaction and reasons why Coun Oxley stepped down read tomorrow's Argus.