THE city looks set for its first by-election in three years.

Residents in Hollingdean and Stanmer may soon go to the polls to choose another representative following a resignation.

Labour Brighton and Hove city councillor Tracey Hill has announced she will be stepping down due to “family circumstances”.

A political race to replace her would be the city’s first by-election since Nancy Platts was elected to the East Brighton ward in February, 2018.

Although the contest has not been confirmed, local elections in other parts of the country are expected to go ahead in May despite coronavirus.

Cllr Hill said: “I’m really sad to be stepping down early from my councillor role, but family circumstances have made it necessary.

“I’ve enjoyed my time on Brighton and Hove City Council, and I’m glad I was able to serve as part of a Labour administration that did so many positive things for the city.

“I will miss being a councillor, particularly the residents of Hollingdean and Stanmer, who I feel privileged to have represented.

“I wish my Labour colleagues all the best for the future and want to thank them and all the officers I’ve worked with for their hard work and dedication.”

A by-election is held when a seat becomes vacant. They do not have to take place if a representative changes political party.

A local election is where all seats are contested. This happens about every four years, the most recent in Brighton and Hove happening in May 2019.

The current makeup of Brighton and Hove City Council, including Cllr Hill, is

Green Party: 19

Labour: 18

Conservative: 13

Independent: 4

Labour Group Leader, Cllr Platts said: “I am very sorry to lose Tracey from the Labour Group and I personally want to thank her for her tremendous contribution to the Labour Party both as a member and subsequently as a Councillor.

“She has worked hard for her residents in Hollingdean and Stanmer for over five years and shown huge dedication to her work on committees too. She will be a great loss to the local Labour Party and to the Council.

“We know this has been an incredibly difficult decision and as usual, Tracey has approached it with honesty and integrity, thinking about what is best for her family and her residents and putting them first.

“Labour colleagues join me in being sad to see her go and we want to wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”