DUDLEY Council has announced a by-election will be held for the vacant Brockmoor and Pensnett ward seat following the resignation of a long-serving councillor.

Cllr Judy Foster, Dudley Labour’s deputy leader, stood down on November 10 just six months after retaining her seat in all-out local elections in Dudley in May.

She said she had made the difficult decision to step down after 27 years on the council due to concerns about her personal safety.

Former councillor Judy Foster who represented Brockmoor and Pensnett for two decadesFormer councillor Judy Foster who represented Brockmoor and Pensnett for two decades (Image: Dudley Council)

Announcing the news, the long-serving Labour councillor said on Facebook that she could not elaborate on her decision “due to ongoing processes” but she promised to continue serving other local organisations she’s involved in.

Her departure from the council has now triggered a by-election – which will take place before Christmas.

Councillor Steve Clark, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for legal and finance, said: “Following the resignation of a former councillor, I can confirm there will be a by-election for Brockmoor and Pensnett on December 19.”