A by-election will be held after the resignation of a Watford Borough Councillor.

Councillor Andrew Forrest, Liberal Democrat member for Nascot Ward, is leaving to take up a new job in Ireland.

Voters will now go to the polls to select a new member, possibly as early as Thursday, September 29.

He said: “I was invited at very short notice to apply for the post of Principal at my former school in Dublin. This came out of the blue, but I felt it was an opportunity for myself and my family that I couldn’t turn down.

“I am sad to be leaving Watford and will really miss the residents of Nascot ward whom it has been a privilege to represent for the past four years.’ Mayor Dorothy Thornhill added: “I am sorry that Andrew is leaving, as he has been a hard-working and dedicated local councillor.

However, he has been offered the opportunity to be a head teacher and I understand that he does have to think of his professional future. I wish Andrew all the best in his new role.”