A COUNCILLOR plans to resign his position on the city council - and a by-election will take place later this year.

Councillor Lee Wares, who represents Patcham ward, has become the second councillor to stand down in just over a week.

The Conservative councillor is moving closer to his elderly parents, making remaining a city councillor "almost impossible".

His resignation has triggered a by-election in the area, scheduled to take place on May 6.

READ MORE >> Conservative transport spokesman hits out at Labour cycle lane rebels

Cllr Wares said: "This has been a difficult decision to make but so I can better support my parents in the West Country it has become necessary. By moving closer to them it will make remaining a city councillor impossible.”

“It has been an enormous privilege to represent Patcham and Hollingbury and I will always be grateful for the kindness and support residents have extended to me. Serving on the council in opposition is challenging and I am proud to have worked alongside my Conservative colleagues in holding the administration to account.

“I wish my colleagues well in these difficult times and know they will do their very best for residents and the city.”

The Argus: The Conservative transport spokesman will quit to move closer to his parents The Conservative transport spokesman will quit to move closer to his parents

It comes after Labour Brighton and Hove city councillor Tracey Hill 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.

Conservative group leader, Cllr. Steve Bell said “It is of great sadness that Lee has decided to leave the council but I am sure everybody will understand, I know it has not been easy for him.

"Lee has been a tremendous asset to the Conservative group and has worked tirelessly in the best interests of the city and Patcham and Hollingbury where he was elected twice.

“Lee will leave us with a significant contribution to tackle climate change with his project to plant 8,000 trees in Hollingbury now underway. He was also instrumental in exposing the inadequacies of Cityclean and bringing the scandal of the home to school transport service to the public eye. Lee has also been a strong advocate challenging the current plans for Valley Gardens phase three and cycle lanes.

“We wish him good luck and know that he will approach the future in the same professional, considerate and dedicated way that he has during his time as a councillor.”