A BY-ELECTION will be held following the resignation of a Cheshire West and Chester councillor.

Labour councillor Michael Edwardson has stepped down from his Wolverham ward for health reasons.

The retired nurse and former union steward has served the ward, which takes in Wolverham and Stanney Grange areas, for six years, having won another by-election in Ellesmere Port town centre's second seat in 2018 following the death of popular councillor Lynn Clare MBE.

He claimed 1,447 votes in that by-election – a share of 83 per cent - and was re-elected last May with 80 per cent of the vote.

His replacement will be chosen on Thursday, May 2, on the same day as elections are held to choose the next Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

In a statement, a Cheshire West Labour Group spokesperson said: "Cllr Michael Edwardson has resigned from his role as a Cheshire West and Chester Council councillor due to health reasons.

"The Cheshire West Labour Group is sad to lose Michael but fully supports his decision to focus on his health.

“We thank him for his service to Ellesmere Port and wish him well with his recovery and retirement."

The May 2023 result in Wolverham ward was Michael Edwardson (Lab) 668, Sam Corner (Con) 95, Alec Owen Jones (Lib Dem) 75. Majority: 573.