A by-election is set to take place following the resignation of a Cheshire West and Chester councillor.

Phil Rimmer, who represented Weaver and Cuddington for the Conservatives, has stepped down with immediate effect.

The borough's Conservative group leader, Cllr Adrian Waddelove, paid tribute to Mr Rimmer via the local party's own social media channels.

In a statement, he said: "It is with regret that Phil Rimmer has chosen to stand down as councillor for Weaver and Cuddington with immediate effect, due to a change in professional and personal circumstances.

"I know Phil has learned a lot from his time on the council and we wish him all the best in his new career path."

Mr Rimmer was elected to Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2023, beating the next best placed Labour candidate Kate Cernik by 64 votes.

He has worked as a policy researcher in the House of Commons for Aphra Brandreth MP, the Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury.

During his time on the council he also sat on several regional bodies, including the Cheshire Fire Authority, the council's audit and governance committee, and the Cheshire Pension Fund board.

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Prior to his election to the borough council, Mr Rimmer also served as a local parish councillor.

Following his resignation, a by-election for Weaver and Cuddington ward will now take place, with further details of when and who is standing set to follow soon.

Mr Rimmer was approached for comment.