MP quits council role

MP Matt Western has resigned his seat on Warwickshire County Council - almost a year after his surprise election to parliament.

The Warwick and Leamington Labour MP has combined his two political roles since unseating the Conservatives' Chris White at last June's snap General Election.

Mr Western has served Leamington Willes Division - in which he lives - on the county council since 2013, retaining his seat at last May's local elections.

But has not claimed any of his council £9,263 allowance since being elected as an MP.

"I am particularly proud that I attended all but one council meeting in this past ten months, despite my dual responsibilities," he said.

"I have been able to combine my two roles as MP and county councillor to speak out about local issues in parliament including on children’s centres, cuts to local authorities, housing as well as health and social care provision.

"I also did not take any allowances or expenses in this past year of the new council.

“These last five years have been immensely challenging given the scale of cuts but also rewarding. Through the work in the division, in committees and in the council chamber I have tried to build consensus with members of all parties to create a better Warwickshire and, above all, a better Willes area in South Leamington, where I live."

Mr Western’s resignation has triggered a by-election, which will be held on Thursday, 3rd May.

In last May's county council elections, the Conservatives won 36 of the council’s 57 seats. It previously held 26 seats.

Labour won just ten seats, it previously had 22, while the Liberal Democrats lost two of its nine councillors.