As Sir Julian Brazier prepares to fight his eighth general election in Canterbury, his city councillor son John is calling time on his political career.

The 24-year-old says that his work means that he has to move away from the city and cannot devote himself to the role.

A by-election for the Westgate ward he has represented for two years will take place on June 8 – the same day Sir Julian defends the Canterbury and Whitstable seat he has held since 1987.

In a statement released by the Canterbury Conservative Party on Monday, Cllr Brazier said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve Canterbury City Council for the past two years, under Simon Cook’s leadership, and I will be forever grateful to the people of Westgate for giving me their support and trust.

“However, like a lot of young people, my career has now led me away from the city where I grew up, and it is no longer possible for me to be the councillor that the city deserves.

“The highlights for me have been some really wonderful city events, and taking part in pivotal discussions about the future of the city and the Whitefriars shopping centre.”

Cllr Brazier, who works as a data analyst for a marketing company in London, thanked his fellow councillors and the council’s officers for their “patience and kindness”.

Council leader Simon Cook said: “John has had a difficult choice to make and I must pay tribute to him for admitting that he is not able to devote the time the role demands.

“The timing means that a by-election can take place at the same time as the general election, avoiding the costs to the taxpayer of holding a stand-alone election.

“All of us on the Conservative group wish John the best for his future career.”

Cllr Brazier won the Westgate ward seat with 1,065 votes, the most by any candidate, and defeated sitting Lib Dem councillor Ida Linfield who polled 860.

The other Westgate ward seat is held by Canterbury’s Lib Dem group leader Cllr Mike Dixey. Conservatives currently hold 31 of the council's 39 seats.

Along with the other parties, the Conservatives have yet to select a candidate to fight the Westgate ward by-election on June 8.