A Labour councillor has resigned, with a ward colleague saying he quit because he “couldn’t keep up with the workload”.

Mike Figg was elected to Aldborough ward in May of last year.

But today it was announced the politician, who works for Transport for London, has resigned from his position.

A by-election will now be held, though a date for it has not yet been set by Redbridge Council.

His ward colleague and Conservative Cllr Ruth Clark said this afternoon: “He’s a decent guy who’s done the decent thing.

“He couldn’t keep up with the workload.” She added: “I really wish people who stand for election consider what it entails before they take on something like this.

“This is one of the biggest wards and me and [Cllr] Vanessa [Cole] have been working so hard.”

Mr Figg married last month.

His election victory last year saw Conservative incumbent Loraine Sladden ousted.

Her former colleague Cllr Clark said Mrs Sladden “probably” would stand again for the seat but there would be a selection process, adding: “I’d like to see any experienced person throw their hat into the ring.”