A leading political figure is to take a step back after ten years at the top.

Gill Mitchell, who has been a Brighton and Hove city councillor for 20 years, has said she will not put her name forward for re-selection as leader of the Labour group on the local authority next month.

Coun Mitchell, who is one of the most recognisable politicians in the city, having served as deputy council leader and leader of the opposition in the past decade, said she will remain an elected member for her East Brighton ward.

It comes as the party looks to take control of the council in the 2015 local elections after what would be eight years in opposition.

Coun Mitchell told The Argus: “I thought about it over the summer and decided this would be my last year.

“I have done it for six years. I really feel that’s plenty long enough for any political group to have the same leader.

“It has been a real honour to serve as group leader throughout the many challenges faced by the council and the city over the past years.”

Coun Mitchell broke the news at a meeting of the party’s 13 councillors last night.

She will remain as group leader until its annual general meeting on May 14.

When asked about potential successors, Coun Mitchell said: “That’s for the group to decide.”

She added she will look to be re-elected in her East Brighton seat in 2015.

Coun Mitchell said she felt Labour was poised to do “really well” in the elections, which includes all 54 council seats and the three MP constituencies.

Among the potential successors are her fellow East Brighton councillor Warren Morgan.

Coun Morgan, who is the group’s deputy leader, said: “Gill has served in the front line of Labour politics for a decade, winning respect from colleagues, opponents and people from across the city.

“I’d like to thank her for her leadership over the past six years and hope that she remains a part of our leadership team for many years to come.”

Coun Mitchell was first elected to Brighton Borough Council in 1993.

When Labour was in control of the city council, she became chairman of the environment committee.

Coun Mitchell was elected leader of the Labour group in 2007.

During that time there have been four council leaders, three Green convenors and three Conservative group leaders.