A LABOUR councillor has resigned from her post, sparking the first by-election in the borough since the 2006 elections. Sarah Baillie, member for Chadwell Heath ward, wrote her letter of resignation on May 14 but it was not officially announced until last

A LABOUR councillor has resigned from her post, sparking the first by-election in the borough since the 2006 elections.

Sarah Baillie, member for Chadwell Heath ward, wrote her letter of resignation on May 14 but it was not officially announced until last Tuesday (May 27).

Speaking exclusively to the POST she said she was going for reasons that were "personal and confidential" and would not discuss the details.

She is planning to move to Leicester with husband Tom, but stressed this was not the reason for her resignation as she had originally planned to continue in the job and commute down for meetings.

Mrs Baillie said: "I've enjoyed my time as councillor and feel as if I've done the job to the best of my ability.

"My reasons for resigning are private.

"I have especially enjoyed working with the police in Chadwell Heath. They do an excellent job.

"I wish the Labour candidate all the best in the by-election, whoever that might be."

Council leader Charles Fairbrass said: "Sarah has explained her reasons for resigning from the council.

"They are personal and I accept her wish I respect her confidence. Her reasons do not reflect on her.

"During her time on the council Sarah represented the residents of Chadwell Heath Ward well and with enthusiasm, she also played her full part in the wider work of the authority. I wish her well."

Mrs Baillie's resignation will lead to a hotly contested by-election, due to be held on July 3.

Chadwell Heath ward covers the northern tip of the borough and includes the area north of High Road and the Mark's Gate housing estate.

Former Conservative councillor Terry Justice has already thrown his hat into the ring as Tory candidate.

Mr Justice lost his seat in 2006 but said that was down to Labour delivering a greater number of leaflets.

"We were completely swamped by Labour who put out seven different leaflets," he said.

"My wife and I were only able to put out two, but this time it will be different."

The BNP did not field a candidate in Chadwell Heath in 2006, but Cllr Robert Bailey, leader of the group, said his party will contest it in July.

The Chadwell Heath Labour Party has selected Margaret Mullane as their candidate.