A Watford councillor has resigned his seat triggering a by-election in the central area of the town.

Chris Leslie, a Liberal Democrat who represented central ward, stood down after starting a new job this week in the Midlands following a period out of employment.

Although no date has been set it is likely the by-election to find his replacement will happen at the same time as the police and crime commissioner elections on November 15.

Following the news of Mr Leslie’s resignation Watford’s elected Liberal Democrat mayor Dorothy Thornhill paid tribute to role in the town’s politics as an advocate for younger people.

She said: "Chris has always been a passionate advocate for the night time economy and young people in the town, that’s always been his thing.

"It was just that reminder that the town is not just full of middle-aged people but there is a younger element as well."

Mr Leslie was first elected in 2002 and went on to re-election in 2006 with a majority of 248 and then again in 2010 with a smaller majority of 71.