Residency row councillors give resignation reasons

Ms Gajjar (left) and Ms Mistry (right) have resigned from Brighton & Hove City Council with immediate effect

Two Brighton councillors who resigned months after claims they did not live in the city have spoken of their reasons for stepping down.

Bharti Gajjar, who represented Kemptown, said she had been affected by serious health issues and was supporting her family through a difficult time.

Chandni Mistry, of Queen's Park ward, said it had been an "honour" to be "Brighton's youngest councillor" but combining the role with her studies had been a "tremendous" pressure.

Both women had been facing calls to step down from Brighton & Hove City Council after they were removed from the Labour group in December.

On Tuesday, the council said both women had resigned from their posts with immediate effect.

In January, Ms Mistry said she continued to be "a proud resident” of Brighton, and was unsure where the residency claims had come from.

On her resignation, she said: "To be Brighton’s youngest councillor has been truly an honour and I will cherish the memories of 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 said: "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."

She said it had been an "immense privilege" to serve her community, and she would miss her interactions with residents.

On Tuesday, council leader Bella Sankey said she was "overjoyed" the two women had "finally decided to do the right thing".

"The people of Queen's Park and Kemptown can now elect new councillors," she added.

The council said it would announce by-election dates when they were available.