Police say no action will be taken against two Brighton councillors accused of not living in the city.

Chandni Mistry and Bharti Gajjar, who were elected to Brighton and Hove City Council last year, faced allegations that they did not live in the area.

The pair were expelled from the Labour Party but continued to sit on the council as independent councillors until they resigned earlier this month.

Sussex Police launched an investigation into allegations of electoral malpractice and complaints were also filed with the council’s audit and standards committee.

Ms Mistry, who served as a councillor for Queen’s Park, denied the allegations to The Argus and claimed she lives “in the heart of Brighton”.

Sussex Police said there was “insufficient evidence” to support a charge.

A force spokesman said: “After thoroughly investigating allegations of electoral malpractice at Brighton and Hove City Council, our enquiries have now concluded.

“Due to insufficient evidence to support a charging decision, no further action will be pursued in relation to this matter.”

Ms Mistry’s representative did not respond to The Argus’s request for comment.  The Argus was unable to contact Mrs Gajjar.  

The pair caused controversy at a full council meeting last month at Hove Town Hall when they left after less than an hour before order of business.

On her resignation, Ms Mistry said: “To be Brighton’s youngest councillor has been truly an honour.

“I will always cherish the memories of my time representing Queen’s Park.

“However, I am a full-time student, and combining this with my public duties has been a tremendous amount of pressure. Now is the right time to walk away from local politics.”

Ms Gajjar, who served as a councillor for the Kemp Town ward, told The Argus when she resigned: “Since I was elected, circumstances in my life have changed significantly.

“I have been affected by serious health issues and preoccupied with supporting members of my family going through personal difficulties.

“I have also recommenced my studies in medicine, which naturally require a significant time commitment.

“As such, I have decided to step back from my role on the council. It has been an immense privilege to serve my community and more than anything I will miss the interactions with the residents whose causes I take up.”

The resignations will now trigger by-elections in their respective wards.