A LABOUR group leader has stepped down as a councillor.

Anthony Hull, who took over as the senior Labour member on Maidstone council in May, has resigned to pursue a new career.

Mr Hull, who was councillor for Shepway South, will become a policy manager for the London Development Agency, which disqualifies him from holding a political position.

Mr Hull, who was elected in May 2006, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a borough councillor and I am proud to have represented the people of Shepway South.

"I hope that in the short time I’ve been on the council I have made a contribution to Maidstone and the people in my ward.

"I am sorry not to be able to see through a full term due to being politically restricted, but this job opportunity has come up that I just cannot turn down."

A by-election will be held in December.