Stockport's Lib Dem MPs have quit their roles as councillors, sparking two by-elections in the borough.

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison and Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart were elected to Parliament in July's general election, but until now have been continuing their roles as councillors.

Mr Morrison represented the Cheadle West and Gatley ward, a safe Lib Dem seat where he won more than 2,500 votes in the local elections in May. Ms Smart was a councillor in Bredbury Green and Romiley, and was re-elected in 2023 with more than 2,000 votes.

Councillors in Stockport are paid a basic allowance of £10,000 per year, and Ms Smart is paid an extra £4,000 for her role as chair of the Werneth Area Committee.

Stockport Labour criticised the pair for not stepping down after the general election.

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove and former councillor for Bredbury Green and Romiley (Image - Lisa Smart)

Cllr David Meller, leader of the local Labour group, said: "How can they do their roles properly and make council meetings when they have just been elected as MPs?

"There are questions to answer if they don't step down. It's public money at the end of the day, so where is it going? There's no indication of where that money is going, whether it's to boost the party coffers or their own pockets.

"If you get elected MP and are a councillor you need to consider if you can still do the role. I don't know how you can do the job and get back from Westminster back to attend council meetings."

Mr Morrison told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that news of a new addition to his family was part of the motivation to step down.

Tom Morrsion, MP for Cheadle and former councillor for Cheadle West and Gatley (Image - LDRS)

He said: "Following my election as MP for Cheadle, I have been hard at work, getting my office set up, hiring my staff, and representing my constituents in Westminster.

"As well as the honour of becoming Cheadle's MP, this year has brought me other great news; my partner Louise and I are expecting our first baby in the New Year.

"While my passion for public service knows no bounds, unfortunately I cannot say the same about my time.

"To make sure I am best serving Cheadle as its MP, I have made the decision to step down as local councillor for Cheadle West and Gatley.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents for their support over the last six years."

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, added: "It has been an absolute privilege to be a councillor for Bredbury Green and Romiley for over eight years, and I look forward to being able to carry on my work for the people here as their MP.

"I am proud of the work that I have been able to do with my fantastic ward colleagues Cllr Mark Roberts and Cllr Angie Clark, and the campaigns we've run with this wonderful community.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with local councillors for the benefit of people here whether it's protecting our green spaces and rivers, fighting to get our hospital the repairs it needs or to ensure fair funding for our schools."

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