A LONG-SERVING councillor has quit both the district and parish councils he was elected to.

The resignation of Councillor Bryan Harker, who was a 'non-aligned' Conservative representing Heybridge East ward on Maldon District Council, as well being a member of Heybridge Basin Parish Council, comes after around 25 years' service.

There will be no by-elections triggered by his departure from the roles, as these cannot be held until May 2021 under the current Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The political balance of the district council, which is evenly split between Conservative and Independent members, plus three non-aligned Conservative councillors, remains unaffected.

Leader Designate of Maldon District Council, Councillor Elaine Bamford, said "I am saddened that Bryan Harker has made the decision to resign as a district and parish councillor.

"Over the years he has dedicated so much of his time in representing the views of his community and supporting the council in general, and he has represented the district on a number of outside bodies.

"I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made and wish him well for the future."

The resignation comes in the midst of an unfolding scandal involving former council leader, Councillor Adrian Fluker. In a damning report published on the council's website yesterday, Cllr Fluker was found to have deliberately humiliated a gay councillor. The matter will be looked at by the council's Joint Standards Committee on 3 September.