A Reform councillor has resigned just days after being elected, triggering a by-election process.

Des Clarke, of Reform UK, was elected to the Newark West division of Nottinghamshire County Council during last week’s local elections, on May 1.

However, less than a week later the party has confirmed the decision to step down from the council, with Mr Clarke stating he was “not in a position to represent the people of Newark West in the way they deserve, while at the same time continuing his career in social care, about which he is very passionate.”

Desmond Clark, Reform UK.

Reform won 40 of Nottinghamshire’s 66 divisions in a major election victory, handing the fledgling political party an overall majority on the council, and the resignation of Mr Clarke does not affect the balance of power.

Council rules state that a by-election will now be called in the Newark West division, which would typically involve a six week election period.

A by-election date has not yet been set.

The results of the May 1 election in Newark West were:

• Desmond Clarke, Reform UK: 909 votes (elected, now resigned)

• Keith Girling, Conservative: 756 votes.

• Rosemary Johnson Sabine, Liberal Democrats: 164 votes.

• Lucy Olivia Spoors, Green Party: 193 votes.

• Paul Taylor, Labour Party: 508 votes.

The voter turnout for the division was 28.55%.