Ex-council leader quits job to focus on being MP

Claire Young was previously South Gloucestershire's council leader

A former council leader has stepped down as a councillor to focus her work as a Member of Parliament.

Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young ousted Conservative candidate Luke Hall by more than 3,000 votes in the Thornbury & Yate constituency in the July general election.

Her resignation from South Gloucestershire Council will trigger a by-election for the Frampton Cotterell.

The news comes as another Liberal Democrat MP - Sarah Dyke - has resigned from Somerset Council along with another councillor leading to more by-elections in that county.

Ms Young resigned as the council's leader shortly after being elected to Westminster, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Announcing her decision to quit the council on social media, Ms Young said "it's been a real honour" to represent South Gloucestershire's residents.

The date for the by-election has not yet been set.

Meanwhile, Ms Dyke the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton said "It’s an absolute privilege to serve" the Blackmoor Vale on Somerset Council.

Sarah Dyke was re-elected to Westminster in July

She won a Westminster by-election for the previous Somerton and Frome seat in July 2023 and had been re-elected on the new constituency boundaries at this year’s general election.

Dixie Dixon, who represented Rowbarton & Staplegrove ward and is also resigning, said she was very proud of her record in local government.

Dixie Darsh has also resigned from Somerset Council

Ms Darch, who currently sits on the council’s executive committee said it was “time for new blood” and wanted to spend more time with her family and friends.

Somerset Council confirmed the by-elections for both wards will be held on 21 November.