Councillor first elected aged 18 resigns

The ex-leader of a council - who was formerly one of the youngest councillors in England - has resigned after 15 years, calling his time as a local politician "an absolute honour".

Liberal Democrat Joe Harris, who was first elected in 2011 aged 18, told Cotswold District Council this week it was "time for a change of career and change of emphasis" in his life.

At the age of 20, he became the youngest mayor in the UK, representing Cirencester, and he became council leader aged 26, seven years ago.

A by-election for the St Michael's Ward is due to take place on 2 July. Harris is also stepping down as Gloucestershire County councillor for Cirencester Park, with a by-election date yet to be set.

Harris said leaving his role was a tough decision during his final speech at the annual meeting of Cotswold District Council on Wednesday.

"I love this council, it has felt like home for me over a very long time and leaving it is a wrench, but sometimes the hardest thing is deciding to move on at the right time," he added.

"So I want to thank all of you so much for everything that you've done for me, both personally and in my political career. It has been an absolute honour."

Council leader Mike Evermy thanked Harris for his dedication to the local authority and said working alongside him had been a "real privilege".

He said Harris had "always shown a deep commitment to public service and to improving the lives of residents".

"He can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved, and we wish him all the best as he takes his next steps beyond the council," Evermy added.

According to his LinkedIn profile, the 33-year-old has recently started working as a strategic relationships lead for the East West Railway Company.

Harris told the BBC: "I'm excited to now be taking up a new role working on a major national infrastructure project, helping build stronger connections between communities and supporting future growth.

"While I'm stepping away from elected office, Cirencester will always be home and I'll always care deeply about the town and the people here."

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