Hampstead and Kilburn’s Conservative parliamentary candidate has announced he is stepping down as a councillor after seeing a surge of support which he believes can deliver him to the Commons in May.
Simon Marcus made the decision to resign as Hampstead Town councillor today having been buoyed by increasing pledges from voters in the constituency that they will turn out for him in May.
Mr Marcus said: “A year ago it was clear I had a huge task on my hands to win the seat, whereas now it has come down to a 50-50 fight.
“I’m feeling on the doorstep that there’s been a clear surge so that’s why I feel I’ve got to take this decision now.”
Oliver Cooper, deputy chairman of Camden Tories, will stand to replace Mr Marcus in a planned by-election on May 7.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here