A BY-ELECTION has been officially declared after the resignation of a Conservative councillor.

Martin Leatherdale resigned from his role as Lexden and Braiswick councillor for Colchester Council last month for reasons he has not declared.

He had only been elected to the seat three weeks earlier before declaring himself an Independent and then standing down.

He had won the seat with 1,416 votes - more than double his nearest rival.

A by-election to fill the void left by Mr Leatherdale called by Colchester Council yesterday.

Voters will get the chance to have their say on polling day, which is due to be held on Thursday, July 28.

Information on which candidates are standing for the seat will follow after nominations close.