A councillor in Southampton has resigned with immediate effect 15 months after being elected.
The decision by Shirley ward Liberal Democrat representative George Percival is due to a professional promotion in his day job that requires him to relocate away from the city.
Mr Percival won the seat in a by-election in October 2024 when it had been vacated by former Labour council leader Satvir Kaur, who had been elected MP earlier that year.
His decision to step down will either see a by-election take place, if called for, or a contest will take place as part of May’s scheduled local elections.
In a letter to Shirley residents, Mr Percival said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the community, citing the challenge of balancing public service with his professional career.
Mr Percival said: “Serving as your local councillor has been a great honour.
“While I had hoped to continue this work for many years, I have been offered a promotion in my day job that means I must move away from Southampton.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in Shirley, and I want to thank the residents for the trust they placed in me.”
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Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Richard Blackman said he was said sad to see Mr Percival leave his role, adding that he had been a “brilliant” councillor for Shirley and the whole of Southampton.
The Liberal Democrats have already selected their candidate to contest the Shirley seat, with Chris Shank receiving an endorsement from Mr Percival.
Mr Shank said: “It has been great to work with such a dedicated councillor as George in the last few years. He will be missed.
“If I’m elected to follow George, I will always fight hard for the people of Shirley.
“Labour has taken Southampton for granted for too long – and the people of Southampton are fed up with their waste and pet projects.
“With the national polls turning against the ‘big two’ parties, more and more people are putting their faith in the Liberal Democrats.
“We know what we need to do to win, and we know what we need to do for Southampton on the council.”
Jillian Kay, chief executive of Southampton City Council, said: “As Returning Officer I can confirm that Councillor George Percival has resigned from his position as an elected member for Shirley as of 6 January 2026.
“The statutory notice of vacancy has been published.
“The vacancy will be filled by a by-election if called for, or as part of the scheduled local elections in May.”
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