AN ex-councillor has said it was a “privilege” to be part of the city council, after stepping down.

Labour Party member Elaine Williams, who represented Warndon ward on Worcester City Council for almost two years, stepped down with immediate effect today (March 14).

“It’s been a privilege to represent Warndon and be part of the Labour Group, helping to take Worcester into the future,” she told the Worcester News.

“Just being around Warndon and holding surgeries, has been a pleasure. The residents here really seem to appreciate what we’re doing.”

Mrs Williams was elected to the council on May 5, 2016, serving for 22 months.

In her resignation letter, she stated her decision was made for personal and family reasons.

Along with her husband, Mrs Williams is moving to Kent later in the year to be closer to her daughter, who is expecting her second child.

It is expected that a by-election for the seat will be held on the same day as this year’s main city council elections on Thursday, May 3.

That day will see elections for 12 of Worcester’s 35 city councillors.

After seeking advice from the council, she opted to step down now so that the notice period for a replacement to be found would coincide with the main elections.

She said she is proud of her time on the communities committee, and her highlights include working alongside the Worcester Community Trust – describing its work as “vital”.

She also spoke fondly of an application to erect a £4.5million performing arts centre and bell tower at Christopher Whitehead Language College in Bromwich Road.

“You get to a point sometimes where you have to make a decision, but my family always comes first,” she said.

Mrs Williams, who currently lives on Kiln Crescent, thanked council officers, Guildhall staff and city councillor colleagues of all parties for their friendship and support.

On May 3, polls will be held in the Battenhall, Bedwardine, Cathedral, Claines, Gorse Hill, Nunnery, Rainbow Hill, St John, St Peter’s, Warndon, Warndon Parish North and Warndon Parish South wards.

If the by-election goes ahead on the same day, it would mean that voters are choosing both of the two councillors in the Warndon ward on that date.