By-election announced after councillor steps down

Conservative councillor Irene Walsh previously served as Peterborough's mayor

A councillor and former mayor has announced she is to step down from her role for health and family reasons.

Conservative councillor Irene Walsh represents the Barnack Ward on Peterborough City Council.

She described being a councillor as "interesting and fulfilling" and said she felt honoured to have served the city.

A by-election for her replacement will take place on 1 May, the same day as the election of the combined authority mayor for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Ms Walsh served as Peterborough's mayor in 2009 and 2010, has been a ward councillor for Stanground Central, Hargate & Hempsted and Orton Longueville, and has held cabinet roles covering adult social care and health.

She championed community and disability groups, and chaired the war memorial committee, which led to the installation of the memorial in Bridge Street.

She said: "On a personal note, I feel honoured to have served the city of Peterborough over the years and I have found the role of Barnack Ward councillor interesting and fulfilling.

"Through my association with the six parish councils in the ward, I have come to appreciate the very important hard work that is undertaken by them in supporting and protecting the villages they represent."

Conservative group leader Wayne Fitzgerald said: "We will miss Irene's experience and guidance.

"I would like to thank Irene for her loyalty, hard work and long service."