A Green Party councillor has quit his post, creating the need for a by-election.

George Hines had represented Judd Ward on Tonbridge and Malling council since being elected in May 2023.

He resigned on Wednesday, but explained that it was not because he had lost enthusiasm for the Green cause.

He said: “I’m still on very good terms with the party.

“I have been working in education in a support role and now the opportunity has arisen to move into teaching, which is something I have long wanted to do.

“The difference is that at present, I don’t take my job home with me, but as a teacher that is something I will need to do.

“In addition, I am still studying for an Open University degree in environmental sciences and geography, and there just would not be time to be a councillor as well, so I have made the difficult decision to resign.”

He has done a great job

“It has been an honour to represent the residents of Judd Ward and a great pleasure to work alongside my Green colleagues at the council to improve the community in Tonbridge.”

The Green party leader, Cllr Mark Hood, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing Judd Ward with George and being his colleague at the council.

“He has done a great job in representing our community and as chairman of the Tonbridge Community Forum. I understand that he wants to commit all his efforts to becoming a teacher and I wish George all the very best in his career."

A by-election will take place on Thursday, July 4, coinciding with the general election.