Hampstead councillor steps down

A Hampstead Town councillor has stepped down from Camden Council, triggering a by-election in the ward.

Conservative Cllr Kirsty Roberts handed in her resignation yesterday (Wednesday), calling time on six years as a councillor in the village.

It is believed Ms Roberts, who recently fought to cut late-night opening hours at a diner in Heath Street, has stepped down to focus on her career.

Hampstead and Kilburn Conservative agent David Doulgas said: “Kirsty Roberts’ job is changing and she will not be able to carry on being a councillor.

“It’s a more demanding ward than most and she just will not have the time.”

The Tories have already selected Simon Marcus, son former chairwoman of the Heath and Hampstead Society Helen Marcus, to battle it out in the ensuing by-election.

Mr Marcus stood in the 2010 General Election in the Barking seat against the BNP’s Nick Griffin, finishing in second place.