Cllr Robin Turbefield, the cabinet member for leisure and youth services, has resigned from his post for “personal reasons”.

An email was sent to all Redbridge councillors on Friday with the news, which came as a surprise to many.

No councillor has yet been chosen to take his place in the cabinet and the position is listed as “vacant” on the council website.

Council leader Cllr Keith Prince said: “He felt he wasn’t able to dedicate the time he felt he should to the position.

“The fact is that I demand an awful lot from my cabinet members.

“There are a lot of meetings and it’s a lot of work and that in itself puts a lot of pressure on.

“He gave a couple of reasons relating to his personal life.

“I think he’s done the honourable thing.”

Cllr Turbefield was elected to the council in May 2006 and will continue to serve as a councillor for Bridge ward.

A replacement is expected in cabinet by the end of the week.

The last resignation from the cabinet was in November last year, when Cllr Sue Nolan gave up her post as member for environment and transportation to spend more time with her family.

The Recorder has not been able to reach Cllr Turbefield for a comment.