A COUNCILLOR has resigned just months after being elected.

Labour Councillor for Ladywell Cllr Tim Shand has announced that he is stepping down from his role to work for the Sonke Gender Justice Network human rights charity in South Africa.

He said: ““It has been a heart-wrenching decision to stand down but to go and work in some of the poorest communities in the world on big problems like HIV and sexual violence is something that I could not refuse.”

The councillor had only held his seat since May's local elections.

A by-election for his seat is due to be held on November 4.

Lewisham Greens, who lost their Ladywell seats in the election, will decide their candidate on Thursday.