Deputy city mayor resigns from social care role

A Leicester deputy city mayor has resigned from her role after more than 13 years.

Labour councillor Sarah Russell announced on LinkedIn that she would be leaving her position on city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby's top team next month.

Ms Russell, the lead member for social care, health and community at Leicester City Council, said she would remain as one of two councillors for the city's Westcotes ward.

She added she would be taking up a new job managing Leicester West MP Liz Kendall's office.

In her letter to Sir Peter, Ms Russell said her decision to resign from her current post was "not one [she] took lightly".

She had been a lead member of the council in various positions since 2011 and in her letter of resignation, thanked the city mayor for the opportunity to be part of his team, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

"My new role manging Liz Kendall MP's office is an exciting opportunity that builds on and develops my skills further whilst still focussing on getting the most for our residents," she added.

Ms Russell said she would remain in her current role until 7 February.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.