A leading Swindon councillor has suddenly quit.

Cathy Martyn, ward councillor for Wroughton and Wichelstowe and Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for health inequalities and housing, announced on social media on Wednesday she was resigning with immediate effect.

In a statement on her Facebook page, the councillor said: “I’ve been very proud to represent residents in Wroughton & Wichelstowe for almost 8 years, but after much deliberation, I have decided to resign with immediate effect, for personal reasons, as a councillor with Swindon Borough Council.

"If you have any questions regarding any borough council service, please email Councillor David Martyn on dmartyn@swindon.gov.uk. Thank you.”

Coun David Martyn is actually Cathy Martyn’s husband who joined her as a member for Wroughton & Wichelstowe in 2021.

The leader of the council David Renard thanked Coun Martyn for her service: “Cathy has been a committed and knowledgeable member of the Cabinet for several years showing great empathy and support for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“She leaves her portfolio in good shape for her successor to take on. We will miss her and wish her well for the future."

Normally a councillor resigning mid-term triggers a by-election – but with just three months before Coun Martyn’s second four-year term finishes, it is likely the seat will remain empty until the May 4 elections.