A LONG-SERVING county councillor has resigned sparking a by-election.

Colin Davidovitz, who has been a Conservative councillor for Chandler’s Ford for the last 14 years, has stepped down from the post, saying it had been a privilege to serve but ongoing health issues had prompted his decision.

He was also Hampshire County Council’s chairman last year, presiding over county council and representing the council on royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire.

Cllr Davidovitz, of Chandler’s Ford, was first elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2005, 2009 and 2013, with 39 per cent of the vote.

Candidates standing for the seat are James Duguid, for the Liberal Democrats, John Edwards for the UK Independence Party, Judith Grajewski for the Conservatives and Sarah Smith for Labour.

Polling will take place on Thursday 22 October 2015.

In a letter sent to Chandler's Ford county division residents he said: "It has been both an honour and a privilege to have served you as your councillor on the county council for the last 14 years.

"However I regret to have to tell you that due to ongoing health issues I have come to realise that I am less able or strong enough to continue to serve you, the residents I represent, on the county council in the way you deserve.

"Therefore I have made the difficult decision to make way for another younger and much stronger candidate to serve in my place."

In the letter he backed the Conservative candidate Mrs Grajewski, who is already an Eastleigh borough councillor.

Chandler’s Ford residents who have not registered to vote will need to do so by midnight next Tuesday.

Eastleigh Borough Council is running the by-election on behalf of Hampshire County Council.

New applications for a postal vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN, by 5pm next Wednesday.

Applications to vote by proxy must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YN, by 5pm on October 14.