CULCHETH, Glazebury and Croft councillor Chris Vobe has made the shock announcement that he will not seek re-election in May.

The Labour councillor has held the seat since 2012 but will not seek re-election.

The party is holding its selection meeting tomorrow, Saturday, when candidates for all the seats across Warrington will be chosen.

Mayor Cllr Geoff Settle is also missing out after he was de-selected earlier this month.

Cllr Vobe, aged 26, will remain in his seat until May.

He is also stepping down from the parish council as well.

Cllr Vobe, son of Warrington North MP Helen Jones, said: "It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to represent the residents of Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft since May 2012.

"To be afforded this opportunity, and to have the support of the community that I grew up in and which I love dearly is something which I have never taken for granted.

"I have never taken the support of local people for granted and am honoured that so many put their trust and faith in me.

"I have strived to be out and about in the community every week since I was elected, speaking with families and individuals to make sure, wherever they live, their needs and priorities are heard.

"I am proud to have a strong record of delivering investment locally, and have enjoyed seeing so many local projects flourish from initial ideas through to completion.

"Over the past few weeks, I have been humbled by the many messages of support I have had from residents, pledging their support and encouraging me to seek a second term on Warrington Borough Council.

"After a great deal of reflection and soul-searching, I have decided that, due to a wide variety of other commitments which are placing increasing demands on my time, I will not be standing at the forthcoming elections in May.

"I have always said that I would not undertake this role unless I could fulfil it, and all the obligations that come with it, to the full.

"It would be wrong of me to commit to the task if I could not guarantee that I would be able to maximise my efforts.

"I will continue to represent my residents fully over the coming months, and offer my sincerest thanks to everyone who has given me support and encouragement during my time on the Council.

"Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft really are home to the most special of people, and I hope you will continue to be well-represented at the Town Hall in the future."

A spokesman from Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft Labour Party said: "Elected with unprecedented support in 2012, Chris Vobe has been a tremendous advocate for our community over the past four years.

"He has campaigned tenaciously for local people and carved out a reputation as one of the most out-spoken and determined representatives in our town.

"He has delivered for all corners of our community and will be recognised for his dedication and drive by so many people in our villages."