A council cabinet member has announced he is stepping away from politics.

Conservative Martin Potter, who represents Rainham North on Medway Council, says he has decided not to stand in May's election so he can focus on his career.

The portfolio holder for education and schools, who works as a teacher, said: "Following the sudden loss of my dad a couple of years ago, I reflected a lot on my future and decided to make the most of this current term, but I need to focus on my career and life away from being on the council.

"It's been a particular privilege to serve as the cabinet member for education since 2016 working with Josie Iles, an excellent team of officers and school leaders to raise standards and deliver for local children and families."

Cllr Potter, who is one of the younger members of the council, grew up in Rainham and was elected in 2015 when in his mid 20s.

His fellow ward member, Cllr Kirstine Carr (Con), has also announced she will not be seeking re-election.

The former deputy Mayor of Medway was elected in 2019 following the passing of her husband David, who had also served as mayor.

She said: "I have enjoyed being able to carry on from David and working with Martin to serve the people of Rainham North to the best of my ability.

"I was also honoured to serve as deputy Mayor of Medway for the years 2021/22, celebrating and showcasing all that is great and good."

The two councillors' joint statement on their shared Facebook page continued: "There is so much we are proud of from our work and projects over the years, from flowering baskets in the Precinct, to the Jubilee mural in the Rec, and even a town sign, which is coming soon, but perhaps our proudest achievement will be advocating for Splashes and working to secure the rebuild of this much-loved facility where so many of us have fond memories.

"Fighting against unsustainable development has also been a very important cause for us, and this culminated in launching the campaign to save the Pump Lane and Bloors Farm orchards when it was just a proposal back in 2018.

"When we launched the campaign it all felt rather daunting, but the way the whole community came together within only a few weeks, including the excellent efforts of the steering group who formed the following year, was all key to supporting the council's refusal of the outrageous proposal and the successful outcome at appeal."

Three Conservatives will be seeking election in Rainham North in May. They are: Kwashie Anang, George Perfect and Wayne Spring.