A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT councillor has resigned from Solihull Council, but any by-election to replace him will be delayed until 2021.
Solihull’s Elmdon ward is set to be down a councillor after Peter Davies stepped down from his seat.
The borough’s returning officer posted a notice of the vacancy on the council’s website, opening requests for a by-election.
But Mr Page added: “If an election is requested, under current legislation a poll cannot take place until 6 May 2021 as a result of the Local Government (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) Regulations 2020.”
Former teacher Mr Davies won the Elmdon council seat at local elections last May.
Ade Adeyemo, leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Solihull, said: “Due to personal reasons, Peter has felt the need to resign and I think that’s very honourable of him.
“He wants it to be known that he feels very disappointed he has to leave, but he felt it would not be right for him to continue in a public role.
“He said is very impressed with how things are run at Solihull Council in his business with officers and other members.
“It is a shame we will have to wait until next May as we were ready to take it the the Conservatives this year.
“Having Peter leave will make us busier, as we carry more business with fewer people, but we are all extremely busy at them moment, and residents can continue to speak with Laura and Glenis until we elect two councillors in Elmdon next year.”
Elmdon residents will continue to be represented by Liberal Democrats Coun Laura McCarthy and Coun Glenis Slater.
