'Proud' city councillor announces resignation

Desiree Elliott has represented Meir North since she was elected in 2019

A city councillor who has announced her resignation says she is incredibly proud of the work she has done.

Labour's Desiree Elliott, who represented Meir North on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, confirmed she will step down almost five years after she was elected.

Ms Elliott recently served as cabinet member responsible for education, skills and anti-poverty.

She was also involved with the schools' forum, corporate parenting panel, standing advisory council on religious education and the family services overview and scrutiny committee.

It was her second tenure on the city council, having previously been a councillor from 1996 to 1998.

Ms Elliott said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work I have done and I have never been prouder as a councillor than to see Labour take control 12 months ago.

“I've enjoyed my time but our city continues to face many challenges and I will continue to support people in my community in many different ways.”

She wished council leader Jane Ashworth and the authority well as they move “into the next phase of rebuilding Stoke-on-Trent”, adding they had her full support.

A council spokesperson said the authority had published a notice of vacancy.

If a vote is requested by two electors from Meir North, a by-election would be held coinciding with the police and crime commissioner elections on 2 May, the council added.