NEWPORT council’s deputy leader has resigned, with a successor to be appointed at the next council meeting.

Cllr Mark Whitcutt has stood down from the senior cabinet role, but says he will continue to serve as a ward councillor. 

In a statement, Cllr Whitcutt said the reason for his resignation was "principled but not for political reasons, health reasons, nor due to changes in personnel."

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"I am proud of the work I have undertaken especially as cabinet member for equalities, pushing forward the equalities agenda in the council and city," Cllr Whitcutt said. 

"The most important thing is not the position you hold but to make a real difference to people’s lives. 

"I have been and remain loyal to the party and each administration I have served in and true to my genuine friends."

The Gaer and Maesglas ward councillor was also the cabinet member for assets and equalities. 

He was also one of four candidates selected by Welsh Labour to stand for election to the European Parliament earlier this year.

"I will continue to focus on serving the ward of the Gaer and Maesglas in  which I live and have done so for most of my life, for whose support I am grateful and I thank those who have supported me and continue to do so," he added.

A spokeswoman for Newport council said a new deputy leader will be appointed at the next council meeting in November.