LABOUR politicians Joe McManners and Antonia Bance have quit their seats on Oxford City Council.

The resignation of the two, who were both elected in 2006, has been timed so by-elections can be held on the same day as county council elections on May 2.

Churchill ward councillor Dr McManners, 37, a GP and former executive member for housing, has to stand aside because he is due to serve on the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Board, and cannot hold both roles.

Dr McManners said: “It has been a privilege to serve the people in Churchill ward.”

Ms Bance, 33, who represents Rose Hill and Iffley ward, said she wanted to focus on her job as campaigns director for the charity Shelter.

She said: “It’s been an honour to represent people on Rose Hill estate, Iffley borders and Iffley village."