Conservative Dudley MP stands down from local council
Dudley South MP Mike Wood has stepped down from his role as a councillor ahead of May's local elections.
The Conservative MP, who secured his seat in the House of Commons last May, said it was always his intention to stand down.
Mr Wood has served for two years as ward councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East on Dudley Council. But he says it has become 'increasingly difficult' to continue with the dual roles.
Mr Wood said he intended to stand aside now to 'avoid the expense' of the council holding a separate by-election ahead of May's council poll.
In a letter to council chief executive, Sarah Norman, Mr Wood, said: "It has been an enormous privilege to serve as a ward councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East for the past two years.
"However, since I was elected to Parliament last May, it has become increasingly difficult to fulfil the important role of being a local councillor as effectively as I would like.
"As you know, ahead of last year's General Election, I indicated my intention to stand down as a councillor this spring to coincide with the local elections on 5th May.
"By doing so I hoped to avoid the expense to the taxpayer of holding a stand-alone by-election, whilst allowing a replacement to be elected alongside the main set of local elections who can focus on their work within the council and for the people of Pedmore and Stourbridge East."
