Redbridge councillor Sarah Blaber has resigned from her position, with a by-election to follow.

The councillor for the Roding ward signalled her intention to step down last Friday.

Conservative leader Cllr Canal paid tribute to Sarah, who was one of the youngest councillors in the country.

He said: “We were delighted when Sarah was elected and feel a mixture of sadness and happiness at her departure.

“We are deeply sad that a promising young councillor has stepped down but really happy that she will be embarking on a new life with her partner.”

“I am also grateful to Sarah for delaying her resignation until March so that we can hold it on the same day as the GLA election, minimising the inconvenience to schools that are used as polling stations and the cost to the council.”

When approached by the Recorder, Cllr Blaber declined to comment.

Redbridge Conservatives are expected to announce their selected candidate today.