CAROLINE Penn, who represented the Labour and Cooperative Party in the Hollingdean and Stanmer ward, has resigned from her role on the city council.

Ms Penn served as the council’s lead member for mental health – on the Health and Wellbeing Board – and as one of the council’s representatives on East Sussex Fire Authority where she chaired the Pensions Panel.

She also became deputy chairwoman of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee.

The councillor vacancy will not be filled until May 2019 when the city-wide elections are held.

Cllr Dan Yates, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council praised Ms Penn for her dynamic approach and energy. He said: “Since being elected in 2015 Caroline has been a committed advocate for her ward of Hollingdean and Stanmer as well as for young people and those living with mental health challenges across the city.

“She has been a brilliant councillor and her efforts will be long remembered.”