A HAMPSHIRE carnival has been thrown into jeopardy after its co-founder quit his public roles.

Thousands of people who enjoyed the carnival spirit at the Mardi Gras in Eastleigh may be disappointed this year.

Keith Trenchard, co-founder of the event and Liberal Democrat councillor for Eastleigh’s Central Ward, has resigned from the authority and said that he is “not sure there will be a Mardi Gras this year”.

Mr Trenchard, pictured right, has quit to launch a VIP chauffeuring business and will no longer organise the community event.

He said: “It’s a lot of work for people to organise and it was only few of us who did it. It’s a lot of planning and time that I can’t find any more.”

Mr Trenchard was part of the group of volunteers who stepped forward five years ago to save the Eastleigh carnival.

After it was announced the carnival would be axed, volunteers put on a revamped celebration and gave the event a Mardi Gras makeover.

The parade of fancy dress, live music and dozens of stalls was brought to Eastleigh in 2012. Now the event is at risk again.

Eastleigh Cllr Chris Thomas, another co-founder of the event, said: “At the moment we are not sure whether there will be a Mardi Gras this year but there will be a carnival in the future.

“Keith’s dedicate assistance was very helpful but I am sure that something will go ahead.Whether it will happen this year, I am not sure.”

The event usually takes place in September.

“I hope that people will understand that this thing takes a lot of effort.”

Mr Thomas said organisers usually start planning the event around this time of the year and said: “We will work on it as we go along.”

Mr Trenchard’s resignation has triggered a by-election that will be held on May 4.

“I wanted to do both but I realised that it wasn’t going to work. I just can’t find the time to do all.

“It’s nothing other than work commitment to start a new business,” he said.