A Green Party councillor has quit his post, creating the need for a by-election.
George Hines had represented Judd Ward on Tonbridge and Malling council since being elected in May 2023.
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He resigned on Wednesday, but explained that it was not because he had lost enthusiasm for the Green cause.
He said: “I’m still on very good terms with the party.
“I have been working in education in a support role and now the opportunity has arisen to move into teaching, which is something I have long wanted to do.
“The difference is that at present, I don’t take my job home with me, but as a teacher that is something I will need to do.
“In addition, I am still studying for an Open University degree in environmental sciences and geography, and there just would not be time to be a councillor as well, so I have made the difficult decision to resign.”
He has done a great job
“It has been an honour to represent the residents of Judd Ward and a great pleasure to work alongside my Green colleagues at the council to improve the community in Tonbridge.”
The Green party leader, Cllr Mark Hood, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing Judd Ward with George and being his colleague at the council.
“He has done a great job in representing our community and as chairman of the Tonbridge Community Forum. I understand that he wants to commit all his efforts to becoming a teacher and I wish George all the very best in his career."
A by-election will take place on Thursday, July 4, coinciding with the general election.