![Cllr Becky Gittins](/images/Cllr_Becky_Gittins.jpeg)
A by-election is to be held next month in Earlsdon ward in Coventry.
The news comes after Councillor Becky Gittins has resigned from her position as ward councillor, a role she has held since 2019.
Cllr Gittins, is to stand as a Labour parliamentary candidate in Clwyd East at the next general election, an area of North Wales where she was born and brought up.
During her time in Coventry, she has served on Scrutiny Boards, the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, and has been the Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
Cllr Gittins said: “I love Coventry. I came here to study at the University of Warwick back in 2013 and fell in love with the city’s dynamism and diversity.
“It was an honour to be elected as councillor for Earlsdon Ward in 2019, and I am so proud of the work we have done in Earlsdon and across the city.
“However, It would not be right to represent Earlsdon from afar, so I am resigning to give local residents the opportunity to elect a new councillor able to serve Earlsdon with the time and energy it deserves.
“I know Earlsdon and Coventry will be in safe hands.”
Councillor George Duggins, Labour Leader of Coventry City Council, said Becky would be missed.
He said: “I want to thank her for her time serving on the Council which she has done with enthusiasm and distinction. Becky was a very effective Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services particularly in her work engaging with young people.
“She was an extremely committed ward councillor and I know her hard work was appreciated and valued by those she represented so well.
“I wish Becky well and I’m sure she will be successful in Clwyd East, where the constituents would be lucky to have such a professional, engaging and knowledgeable person to represent them".
A by-election will be held to fill the vacancy, with a date expected to be set around late October.