AN EXPERIENCED councillor has stood down from his post in Brentwood due to “personal reasons”.

Conservative councillor for Shenfield, Lionel Lee, has officially resigned from Brentwood Council to spend more time with his wife Jackie, who is ill.

Mr Lee was a councillor in the area for 19 years, initially as county councillor for Brentwood South from 1993 to 2009 and in Shenfield ward for the borough council after being elected in 2004.

The announcement was made during a council meeting on October 25 by Brentwood mayor Ann Coe.

During the meeting, the mayor paid tribute to her fellow Conservative member.

She said: “I believe Brentwood owes Lionel many thanks for the past 19 years. He will be very much missed by his colleagues, and I’m sure members, officers and the residents of Shenfield wish him well for the future.

“Lionel has asked me, on his behalf, to thank all those of you who have sent your good wishes and given your support and would like to wish members and officers all the best for the future.”

A by-election for the vacant seat in Shenfield will take place on December 6.