A councillor has spoken of the 'really difficult' decision he has made to resign from the Isle of Wight Council.

Gary Peace, the Conservative councillor for Ventnor and St Lawrence, announced his resignation from the authority today, (Monday), for personal reasons.

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed arrangements are now being made for a by-election.

Mr Peace thanked all those who supported him and voted for him.

He said it was a privilege to have represented his residents since his election in 2017, and was "immensely proud to have supported them during some of the most troubling times of their lives", from planning to flooding issues.

Some of the things he said he has been proud to achieve during his time on the council include supporting businesses across the Island and Ventnor residents through the Covid pandemic, helping them access funding and the services they need.

As well, he said, preventing a vast waste of money being spent on rebuilding Undercliff Drive and, more recently, supporting residents in the fight against the removal of parking spaces in the town.

Mr Peace also helped bring the LeBlanq cycle and food event to the Island and Ventnor, specifically, which is now established internationally, and saw Sir Bradley Wiggins leading riders around the Island.

He said he has taken on several roles as a councillor, working both in and out of the cabinet — once holding the post of cabinet member for digital transformation and community safety — and with members across the chamber on various committees.

Using his expertise outside of local government, Mr Peace has also helped the current Alliance Administration on the Digital Strategy Transformation Board.

Mr Peace thanked the hard-working and dedicated officers and staff at the council, 'who do so much for the community in the most challenging times' and wished them the best.

He said: "They deserve all the respect and praise possible as they manage the business of the council while also trying to affect the political wishes of elected members."