A Cheshire West and Chester councillor has stepped down with immediate effect triggering a by-election to search for his replacement.

Labour's Andrew Cooper said he had stepped away in order to contest the fledgling Mid Cheshire seat in the upcoming General Election. He has also quit his role on Northwich Town Council for the same reason.

Mr Cooper had served as a councillor on Northwich Town Council since December 2013 and represented Leftwich on Cheshire West and Chester Council since 2019.

Last year he was chosen by Labour to contest the new Parliamentary seat of Mid Cheshire seat at the general election, with that now pencilled in for July 4.  Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the by-election for Northwich Leftwich will be called for the same date.

There is no legal requirement for a general election candidate or a serving MP to quit their position as a councillor.

Mr Cooper said: "Firstly, and most importantly, I want to thank the people of Northwich Leftwich ward who have put their trust in me for the last five years.

"We have achieved so much together including refurbishing our town's parks and paddling pool, kick-starting the urban woodland on Rose Meadow and securing improved facilities at Victoria Infirmary Northwich.

"I have also been proud to support Leftwich’s residents through helping them with a wide variety of casework enquiries and issues, and champion issues such as inclusivity for SEND children and improving accessibility at Northwich Station and beyond."

The Mid Cheshire seat is brand new and was created following a boundary review. It incorporates the salt towns of Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford.

He added: "It is an honour to have been selected as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for the forthcoming general election.

"I am dedicating the next six weeks to the General Election campaign, and I hope to speak to as many residents as possible and deliver the change Mid Cheshire badly needs."