A BY-ELECTION will take place in Westbrook later this year after Clr Natalie Douglas announced she will resign.

The Labour councillor, who took the seat in a shock victory in May, will stand down due to ‘family commitments’.

The announcement will come as a blow to the party’s effort to take control of the council this May as Westbrook has been a Liberal Democrat stronghold.

Clr Douglas said: “It is with great regret that I am standing down as the Labour councillor for Westbrook.

“As many of my constituents will know, I got married last year and my husband and I are now looking forward to the arrival of our first child.

“I feel privileged that the voters in Westbrook put their trust and faith in me, and I do not wish to repay them by becoming a ‘part-time’ councillor.

“I have enjoyed my time representing local people and I know that whoever the Labour party chooses to stand in my place will be just as committed to standing up to the cuts that this LibDem/Tory council is to impose.”

Chris Vobe, campaign manager for the Warrington North party, said: “Natalie’s decision to stand down from her role as councillor is an honest and honourable one, showing that, as always, she is determined to secure the best for Westbrook people.

“I’ve been proud to work alongside Natalie and have her as part of the Labour team here in Warrington, so I wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”