COUNCILLOR Mark Dempsey, Deputy Leader of the Labour group at Swindon Council, has announced his immediate resignation of the post and decision to not contest his council seat in Walcot and Park North next year.

Coun Dempsey hopes the decision will enable him to concentrate on his campaign to unseat Justin Tomlinson MP in next year’s general election.

Coun Dempsey said: “I am standing down as Deputy Leader of the Labour group and will not seek reselection as a Councillor to concentrate my focus and energy on my campaign to be the Labour MP for North Swindon in next year’s general election.”

Coun Dempsey has been a councillor since 2010 and Deputy Leader of the Labour Group since 2011.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors in Walcot and Park North; and the many members of the community that we have worked in partnership with,” he added.

“I am proud to have helped build a better future for my ward and fulfilled my promises to open a new youth club, make real progress with the regeneration of Cavendish Square and Sussex Square, and achieve major repairs to our local roads including Kingswood Avenue and Frobisher Drive. It proves that politics can make a difference. I will continue to work hard as an active councillor until my term expires in May next year.

“As Labour’s candidate I want to build a better future for North Swindon. My priorities are a new economic plan to tackle youth unemployment, rebuild our local economy and support the businesses of the future. I want action to kick start the regeneration of Swindon town centre; based on our railway heritage. And I will campaign for a University for Swindon and a new school for North Swindon to unlock the talents of local people. I believe that together we can build a better future for our town."