A Reform UK council leader has announced he is stepping down after four months in the role.

Hartlepool Borough Council leader Graham Harrison said he has taken the decision following “a recent change in my personal circumstances”, adding that he is “no longer able to commit the time required to fulfil the duties of leader”.

The council said a new leader will be appointed at a meeting on 15 September.

Mr Harrison said: “It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve as leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and to represent our town in this role.

“In recent weeks, there has been a change in my personal circumstances and, after careful consideration, I have concluded that I am no longer able to commit the time required to fulfil the duties of leader.

“The role is, in effect, a full-time commitment and I do not believe it would be right to continue if I cannot give it the time and attention it deserves.”

He said: “This has been a very difficult decision and certainly not one I have taken lightly.

“However, I believe it is the right decision both for me personally and for the council.

“I would like to thank my fellow councillors, council officers, partners and residents for their support during my time as leader.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated people who care passionately about Hartlepool and its future.

“While I will be stepping down as leader, I remain fully committed to public service and will continue to represent the residents of Burn Valley as one of their ward councillors.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the community and support the town in that capacity.”

Mr Harrison said he plans to remain a councillor in the Burn Valley ward – a seat he won from Labour in the May elections.

Reform UK won all of the 12 seats up for election in May, and it is now the largest party with 15 seats on the 36-member council. No party has overall control of the authority with Labour currently holding 14 seats and independent councillors in the remaining seven seats.