Chris Hinchliff MP has today (September 2) resigned as a district councillor for North Herts Council.

This comes after his victory in the General Election to become North East Hertfordshire’s new MP.

Mr Hinchliff has taken the opportunity to endorse his potential Labour successor, Sarah Lucas.

He said: "I am incredibly proud to have been elected to be our new MP for North East Hertfordshire. I am fully committed to representing our constituency and its people in Parliament, which means that it is right that I now step down as a district councillor.

"However, I am delighted to support the fantastic Sarah Lucas to be my replacement at North Herts Council. Sarah is a committed activist and member of our community, who I know will stand up for Royston Palace. As a resident of the town, I am excited to see Sarah representing our community."

Sarah Lucas, Labour’s candidate for the Royston Palace by-election, said: "I’d like to thank Chris for his enthusiastic support and the excellent work he has done for our town. Now that he is representing us in Parliament, I hope to take up his mantle at North Herts and work with him and Councillor Cathy Brownjohn to build on his legacy at North Herts.

"My family and I live in the Royston Palace ward and are part of the community. I am part of a choir in the town, enjoy taking walks on the heath, and I am keen to get more involved in our community.

"I have been actively involved with several charities locally that focus on helping victims of domestic abuse and homelessness. I also own a local business and I am committed to supporting community organisations and groups, charities, and other local businesses because I know how important these are for thriving communities for residents to live in."

Councillor Daniel Allen, leader of the North Herts Labour and Co-operative Group, added: "I am really pleased that Chris has thrown himself into his work representing us in Parliament.

"It is sad to see such a brilliant fellow councillor leave the council chamber, but this is a great reason to leave and I can only thank him for the work he has put in for his residents.

"I am very happy that Sarah is putting herself forward to succeed Chris. She is an active community member who wants to stand up for her fellow residents and, with her local charity experience, she knows how important it is to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in."

The date for a by-election is yet to be announced.