The surprise resignation of two Watford Borough councillors was announced at a meeting on Tuesday night, making it three withdrawals in less than a week.

Councillors Anne Rindl and Joanna Maestas, both Liberal Democrat, relinquished their roles as representatives of Park and Oxhey wards respectively with immediate effect.

READ MORE: By-election likely after Watford councillor resigns

Cllr Rindl cited personal reasons for her decision and said she expects to move back to her native Netherlands, while Cllr Maestas vacated her role because of a “change in circumstances”.

Cllr Rindl said it had been a “great privilege” to represent an area that had "a real community spirit”.

It is likely that by-elections contesting the two seats will be held as part of the Hertfordshire County Council elections on May 4.

Councillor Peter Taylor, Liberal Democrat group leader at Watford Borough Council, paid tribute to the two “diligent” councillors.

“Anne and Jo were both hardworking councillors who will be missed by their Liberal Democrat colleagues,” he said.

“In 2016, Anne received more votes than any other candidate in the whole of Watford. This was due to her dedication to her residents.

“They will missed and we wish them both well for the future.”

Cllr Taylor said he was “delighted” that Peter Jeffree, a former borough councillor with four years’ experience, would be standing in the Park ward, while “well-known” Oxhey resident Maggie Park would contest Cllr Maestas’ vacated seat.  

The news follows last week’s announcement that Labour’s Leggatts ward councillor Anne Joynes, also a county councillor, was stepping down from her role.