Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Greenwich and Woolwich has resigned from the council.

Matthew Pennycook resigned as councillor for Greenwich West today (March 16) with immediate effect ahead of the election in May.

Mr Pennycook cited the reason for his resignation was to avoid the cost of having a by-election after the General Election.

He tweeted: "This morning I handed the chief executive and leader of @Royal_Greenwich my letter of resignation from the council with effect from today."

Mr Pennycook added: "It's been an enormous privilege to have served the residents of Greenwich West ward over the past five years.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've been able to achieve together and hope to have the chance to continue to serve the area in the years ahead."

Mr Pennycook served as a councillor for Greenwich West from 2010 and was selected as Labour's parliamentary candidate for Greenwich and Woolwich to replace the retiring Nick Raynsford in November 2013.

Mr Pennycook has not appeared at any Greenwich Council meetings this year.