A senior councillor has resigned from Tendring District Council.

Tom Howard, cabinet member for finance, revenues and benefits since elections in May last year, announced in a letter at today’s cabinet meeting he was stepping down with immediate effect in a bid to find a better work-life balance.

Mr Howard has represented the Great and Little Oakley ward for almost six years.

Carlo Guglielmi will now take over the cabinet portfolio along with his role as deputy leader and portfolio holder for enforcement and community safety.

Mr Howard’s letter of resignation was read out at the meeting.

It said: “It is with deep regret that I submit my resignation as Tendring district councillor for the ward of Great and Little Oakley with immediate effect.

“I am not a career politician, nor did I ever seek to be one. Instead I became a councillor to represent the people of my ward who often felt that they were being poorly represented.

“I have done this to the best of my ability for nearly six years and believe that I made at least a small difference in my time as a councillor.”

Mr Howard added he found it increasingly difficult to afford sufficient time to being a councillor when holding down a full-time job.

“I feel there is little more that I can achieve as a councillor and now is the time to recognise the importance of my work-life balance and as such to retire from the political arena,” he added.

Council leader Neil Stock wished Mr Howard all the very best for the future.

A by-election for the vacant Great and Little Oakley seat will be held in due course.

• Alex Porter, Tendring district councillor for the Alton Park ward in Clacton, is joining the English Democrats from UKIP.

Mr Porter said: “I am looking forward to representing constituents as an English nationalist.”