North Herefordshire’s new Green MP Ellie Chowns has formally stepped down as both a county councillor and leader of the nine-strong Green group on the council.

As a result, there will be a byelection on Thursday November 7 in her Bishops Frome and Cradley ward, which extends from south of Bromyard to the Worcestershire border.

Herefordshire Council has not yet said when nominations to stand in the election are to be received.

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Her position as Green leader locally has passed to Coun Diana Toynbee, who unsuccessfully contested the Hereford and South Herefordshire seat for the Greens at the July general election.

“I am delighted to take over from Ellie as Green group leader,” Coun Toynbee said.

“I will naturally be in regular touch with her, and know she wants to work closely with the council in her new role as MP.”

She said her party would continue to press the county’s minority Conservative administration to invest in social housing and in public and “active” transport.

“We will work constructively with colleagues from all parties to ensure that the council works as effectively as possible for the thriving of Herefordshire's people, nature and economy,” she said.

Meanwhile Coun Clare Davies, who represents Bromyard West, has become leader of the True Independents group, now reduced to two in the council after the death of its long-time leader Coun Bob Matthews in June.

The byelection to select Coun Matthews’ successor in Credenhill ward, northwest of Hereford, is being held next Thursday, September 26. Six candidates are standing, though not the Greens.

A parish ward election in Ross-on-Wye North is also scheduled for November 7.