A Stockport councillor has resigned, sparking a third by-election in the borough.

Ian Powney, who represents Bramhall South and Woodford, is stepping down from the role on health grounds. He won the seat in a "historic" election victory in 2022 after it had been held by the Conservatives for 14 years, Stockport Lib Dems said.

By-elections are also being held in the Bredbury Green and Romiley, and Cheadle West and Gatley seats on October 17, after Lib Dem MPs Tom Morrison and Lisa Smart resigned from their roles as councillors.

The Bramhall South and Woodford by-election will take place at a later date, expected around late October, the council explained.

Mr Powney said: "While I am saddened to be stepping down, it is the best decision for my health. I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Bramhall and Woodford for electing me, and for all their support over the last two years."

Stockport council leader Mark Hunter said Mr Powney will be "sorely missed" and that he "excelled as a local champion for Bramhall and Woodford."

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison added: "It is his tireless work that made the ward winnable for the Liberal Democrats, and I would like to wish him all the best.

"Whenever I speak to the residents of his ward, many have a warm word to say about him, and he will no doubt be sorely missed. On a personal level, Ian is a true Liberal Democrat legend locally. Without him we would never have had the breakthrough locally. I'll miss working with him."

Cllr Ian Powney (Image via Stockport Council)

Stockport Labour confirmed the party will be standing a candidate in the seat. The party recently had a boost to its ranks after former independent Cllr Aron Thornley joined the group.

Stockport Labour leader David Meller said: "Everyone in Stockport Labour obviously wishes Ian well. We thank him for his time on the council and his service to residents in Bramhall South and Woodford.

"We'll be taking a positive message to residents around how we want a council that gets its basic services right, coupled with having a borough that creates opportunities for everyone."

Mr Powney was re-elected to his Bramhall South and Woodford council seat in the 2023 local elections, where he won a total of 2,342 votes.

The other two seats in the ward are also held by Lib Dem councillors.

There remains strong Conservative support in the Bramhall South and Woodford ward, and the party came within 82 votes of winning the seat from the Lib Dems in the local elections in May this year.

With a total of three council seats currently up for grabs, the Lib Dems remain in control of Stockport town hall under a minority administration with 28 seats.

After May's local elections and before the three by-elections were called, the Lib Dems had 31 members in total, one short of an overall majority in the council chamber.

Stockport Labour are the second largest group on the council, with 23 councillors.

Stockport Conservatives former group leader Mike Hurleston said: "The Bramhall South and Woodford Conservative team are sorry to hear that Lib Dem Cllr Ian Powney has today stepped down from his role on health grounds.

"We look forward to fighting a by-election on the issues people tell us they care about in Bramhall, Woodford and Cheadle Hulme with local resident and hardworking, active member of the community, Peter Crossen."

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