A Brent councillor has resigned after seven years representing Barnhill citing family reasons.

Labour's Michael Pavey notified Carolyn Downs, Brent Council's chief executive and returning officer, of his decision to stand down with immediate effect yesterday.

He told the Brent & Kilburn Times that he resigned for "family reasons, nothing political", adding: "It was a really difficult decision because I have absolutely loved representing Barnhill but everything must come to an end."

The 40-year-old has represented the Barnhill ward since winning a by-election in 2012.

A governor at Wembley Primary School, he was the council's lead member for finance for two years - a position he said was "the biggest job in the council".

As previously reported, in May 2016 while deputy leader of the council he launched an unsuccessful bid to topple Cllr Muhammed Butt as the leader.

He subsequently lost his position as deputy leader and was given the stronger communities role which had been formerly held by Cllr James Denselow.

He resigned from his cabinet position five months later due to a "different vision" with Cllr Butt.

In the May 2018 local elections he secured 2,411 votes to represent Barnhill, a rise from 1,988 votes in 2012.

Writing on his blog at the time, he said he was "humbled" to receive an increased majority adding: "I almost didn't stand this time because there is much about the direction of Brent Council which I do not like. But I'm so glad I did."

Cllr Butt said: "Mikey has been a dedicated public servant, in many roles across this council.

"I want to put on record my heartfelt appreciation for his years of service; I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours and hope that he retains his long connection with Brent and Barnhill."

He added: "I look forward to making the case for continued Labour Party representation in due course, to our Barnhill residents and communities".

A council spokesperson said his resignation creates a vacancy for the office of councillor for the Barnhill ward