Ex-council leader will not stand in by-election

The former leader of Sheffield City Council has confirmed he will not stand in an upcoming by-election for the seat he was voted out of three months ago.

Tom Hunt was one of Labour's casualties in May's local elections after serving four years as councillor for the Walkley ward, three of which he spent as council leader.

He was unseated by the Green Party's Andy Davies, who resigned last week citing mental health concerns saying he was "not prepared for the huge weight of expectation and obligation I felt in the role".

In a social media post, Hunt said he was "sorry to see Andy Davies step down", adding that it felt the "right time" for someone else to stand for Labour in the by-election.

Following Davies' resignation, there was speculation over whether Hunt would try to win back his Walkley seat, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But confirming he would not be standing, he said: "I had four fantastic years as the councillor for Walkley, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe and it was an immense privilege to serve our communities.

"Some people have asked me if I'll stand again in the upcoming by-election, but it's the right time for someone else to now represent our communities."

He promised to work with the local Labour team "to make sure Labour wins the by-election," the date for which is not yet confirmed.

Meanwhile, he added: "I am sorry to see Andy Davies step down as councillor for Walkley ward. I wish him the best for the future."

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