There may now be a by-election after a town councillor resigned this week.

John Ogden-Starkel exclusively told the Faversham News that he has left his post on the town council after almost 18 months.

He made the move after deciding to emigrate to Spain in January with his wife Wendy.

The resignation could trigger a by-election, expected to place at the end of January, if 10 or more residents ask for a replacement.

Mortgage broker Mr Ogden-Starkel has been pro-active in his months as a councillor, launching Faversham Voice which sends out surveys to the public asking for their opinions on topical issues.

He hoped to create more transparency and conversation with residents.

He says he will be sad to leave and hopes the by-election will take place before the local elections in April next year.

Mr Ogden-Starkel, who has lived in St Mary’s Road for the last three years, said: “My move is about six years earlier than planned but because of a change in circumstances, we will be moving away in January.

“We are very excited about the move and have just sold our house.

“I hope that the by-election will take place in March or as soon as possible so things can get back to normal.

“I really hope that Faversham Voice continues and becomes bigger and better.

“I wish I could have done more but these things happen and I will miss the town and being a councillor and will definitely come back to visit.”

The town council has now informed Swale Borough Council and there will be a public notice published next week.

At least 10 registered electors of Abbey Ward, Mr Ogden-Starkel’s former ward, will then have to write to the monitoring officer at Swale council to say that they wish to have an election before it goes ahead.

Once 10 people have written to the monitoring officer, the process then begins and interested people put themselves forward to stand for election.

This is expected to take place in January.