'Weight of expectation': Green councillor who beat Sheffield Council leader stands down after three months

Walkley councillor Andy Davies said: “I was not prepared for the huge weight of expectation and obligation

The Green councillor who beat Sheffield City Council’s leader Tom Hunt in the May elections has resigned after three months, citing the “huge weight of expectation”.

There will now be a by-election in the Walkley ward, after Coun Andy Davies announced he was standing down for “personal reasons”.

Coun Davies was elected on May 8 and at the time told The Yorkshire Post he was “excited to get cracking really now and represent the people of Walkley”.

However, on Monday he announced that he was resigning in a social media post.

He said: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I am announcing my resignation as Walkley councillor due to my mental health and associated personal reasons.

“I do not take this decision lightly, and apologise to everyone impacted by it.

“While I was prepared for the workload, I was not prepared for the huge weight of expectation and obligation I felt in the role, not just to the community and those who voted for me, but to those who campaigned tirelessly and continued to do so much to support me.

"This pressure and stress has manifested itself in unhealthy ways and has impacted myself and those around me.

"I will be taking a step back from all political activity for a time.

"I ask that people respect my wish for privacy at this time.”

Coun Davies beat Mr Hunt by just 73 votes, ending his three-year stint as council leader. Mr Hunt has not yet said whether he will run again.

The Sheffield Greens said: “We would like to thank Andy Davies for his service, however brief.

“We wish him all the best with his mental health, and we respect his desire for privacy at this difficult time.”