A council cabinet member who is not seeking re-election in May is to stand down from his role at a company owned by the authority, it has been announced.

Cllr Andrew Mackness (Con) confirmed last week that he will bring his years as a councillor to an end, citing a potential move away from the Towns.

Having already resigned as chairman of Medway Commercial Group (MCG), the River representative will also stand down as a director of the company at the end of March.

Deputy leader Cllr Howard Doe (Con) is currently the council’s other elected representative on MCG’s board.

Speaking on Wednesday night, chief legal officer Perry Holmes said: “Cllr Mackness is staying on as a director of MCG until the end of the tax year, at which point he will resign as a director of the company.

“There is a provision for the local authority to appoint members as directors if it chooses to do that going forward, and the chief executive has delegation (powers) which come from the ruling administration.

“If between March and May there is a requirement or desire to do that, then that can take effect – otherwise it’s Cllr Doe who is in the driving seat.”

Cllr Mackness has represented the River ward since 2011, and is currently portfolio holder for children’s services.

His statement read: “In the most part I have thoroughly enjoyed my eight years as a councillor and cabinet member, which has been an honour serving the ward and borough to the best of my ability.”