A Labour councillor who last week resigned from his position on Redbridge Council has explained why he has quit a job he describes as one of the “highlights” of his life.

Cllr Mike Figg, who served Aldborough ward, said he has had to step down after getting married to his partner Mary in August.

He said: “For family reasons we are going to need to move out of the area soon.

“Because of this, I have reluctantly concluded that I must step down as a councillor immediately.

“I hope that an election can be called as soon as possible so that a replacement can be found to represent the interests of Aldborough in the ward and in the town hall.”

He added: “From the moment I was elected, I enjoyed the work of being a councillor, working on a number of committees and working groups.

“In the future, I will look back on my time helping the Labour opposition to improve the running of the town hall as one of the highlights of my life”

Mr Figg was elected to the council in May of last year, taking a seat which had been occupied by Conservative councillor Loraine Sladden.

Labour group leader Cllr Bob Littlewood said: “Mike has been a brilliant councillor in Aldborough, helping numerous residents.

“In the town hall he has made an outstanding contribution in scrutiny meetings.

“The Labour group will really miss him and we wish Mike and Mary all the very best for the future.”

A by-election date has yet to be set by Redbridge Council.