AN EASTLEIGH councillor has resigned only weeks before elections.

Lib Dem Lizette Van Niekerk, borough councillor for Netley Abbey ward, has resigned with immediate effect.

It comes only a few days after she tweeted a picture of herself delivering copies of the Lib Dem magazine across the borough.

Cllr Van Niekerk, who was elected in 2015, declined to comment but it is understood she resigned for personal reasons.

Council leader Keith House said: “Lizette has made a great contribution to the council and will be missed.

“Everyone has to put their personal lives first and we respect Lizette’s decision to stand down now, in advance of scheduled elections in May.”

Cllr House also confirmed that there will not be a by-election in the ward and that the seat will be contested in May.

He added: “A number of councillors always stand down when they come up for re-election, Lizette has just stood down a little earlier.

“All seats are up in May so this makes no difference.”

Cllr Van Niekerk has also resigned as a parish councillor, but it is understood she has not left the Lib Dem party.

David Airey, borough councillor for Netley Abbey ward and councillor at Hound Parish Council, said her resignation came as a shock.

He added: “I wasn’t expecting that. But I understand her decision and personal life comes first in this case.

“It was a huge pleasure to work with her. She gained respect and trust from the community and she was a great councillor.”

Her resignation comes after five Lib Dem councillors left the party over the past few months over concerns for the proposed local plan which includes plans for 5,200 new homes near ancient woodland.

The latest resignation has left the ruling party in Eastleigh with 32 members, followed by the Conservatives with six and the Independent group with five.