The former mayor of Swale has resigned as a county councillor.

Sue Gent, who stood on Kent County Council and Swale Borough Council, served as mayor between 2013 and 2014.

Today the Conservative member has handed in her resignation as a county councillor due to ill health.

Cllr Gent had already decided not to stand at the next borough council election in May this year.

She said: "I was honoured to have been elected in 2017 and since that time I have enjoyed representing the residents of Sittingbourne North at Kent County Council and trying to resolve their issues.

"Sadly, I have recently experienced ill health and now feel I am unable to fully commit to the role so I have made the decision to stand down.

"I hope the residents will understand and support the new councillor, once elected."

Cllr Gent was elected to Kent County Council in May 2017 with 41% of the public vote.

She has served on Swale Borough council for 18 years, representing Kemsley.

At the last borough council election in 2015, Cllr Gent held her seat with 25% of the vote.

The highlight of her time as borough councillor came in 2013-14, when she was mayor of Swale.

The grandmother attended 251 events and raised more than £5,500 for her mayoral charities, Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion.

"I hope the residents will understand and support the new councillor, once elected..." Cllr Sue Gent

The highlight of her time as mayor came when she visited Ypres alongside Swale students for a First World War memorial event.

In 2014 she told KentOnline: "It was a day I’ll never forget. When we joined the People’s Parade towards the Menin Gate, I was struck by how quiet and respectful people were."

Chairman of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association, Jess McMahon, said: "The association would like to thank Cllr Sue Gent for her work as a Kent county councillor and wish her luck with her retirement."

Sarah Aldridge will stand in Cllr Gent's place at a county council on May 2, the same day as local borough council elections.

Cllr Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council, added: "We are very sad to be losing Sue who has made a valuable contribution to the county council. We wish her well and hopefully look forward to welcoming Sarah Aldridge to the County Council following the by-election."