Two parish councillors have stepped down after being elected a fortnight ago.

John Morris and Lesley Ingham, who are also both Conservative borough councillors for Sheppey Central ward, were voted on to Eastchurch Parish Council in the May 5 local elections.

Cllr Morris, of Orchard Way, Eastchurch, has been forced to step down due to his battle with illness.

The 72-year-old was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in October after consulting doctors the month before because he had indigestion and a feeling he couldn’t get food down properly.

Cllr Morris went into hospital on April 19 to have an operation for a complete stomach removal.

He was released on Monday and is recovering at home.

The operation meant Cllr Morris, who was elected on to the parish council with 194 votes and on to the borough with 871 votes, missed his first election in almost 30 years.

Although he is remaining as a borough councillor, he said Swale leader Cllr Andrew Bowles is understanding of his situation and he has six months of recovery time.

Cllr Morris has remained positive throughout his illness, which has included bouts of chemotherapy.

He said: “It was rather horrendous and it’s been touch and go but I have got through it.

“I’m not going to be very active for six months but I will be back.

“I didn’t want the parish to suffer with not having attendances so [stepping down] was the fairest thing to do.”

Cllr Ingham was voted on to the parish council with 186 votes and the borough with 838 votes.

The Times Guardian heard about her decision to stand down from a reader who had voted for her. Despite numerous attempts to contact her, we were unsuccessful and her reasons are not known.

A spokesman for the council said: “Eastchurch Parish Council is satisfied the election was conducted in accordance with the legislation.

“The events that have taken place since are unfortunate.

“Eastchurch Parish Council has sympathy with those of the electorate who voted for two candidates who have since resigned.

“The council cannot pass comment on the reasons as that is for the individuals concerned to answer.”

uE06E The two vacancies are being advertised on the parish noticeboard at Eastchurch Village Hall, Warden Road, Eastchurch.