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Newport city councillor Chris Reeks has stepped down with immediate effect, for personal reasons.

The council’s Conservative group said Cllr Reeks had notified the chief executive today (Monday March 16) of his resignation.

“It is with deep regret that I have made the difficult decision to resign my seat,” said Cllr Reeks. “This has not been an easy decision to make, but I am doing so for personal and family reasons.”

His resignation is expected to trigger a by-election in the Rogerstone North ward – which is solely represented by Cllr Reeks following his win there in May 2022.

Following the announcement, Cllr Matthew Evans, who leads the Conservative group as the official opposition in the council chamber, said he and his colleagues were “very sad to see him go”.

“I know he has worked extremely hard for his constituents, but family must come first,” added Cllr Evans.