The mayor of Stevenage has resigned with immediate effect, it has been announced today (Wednesday).

The chief executive of Stevenage Borough Council, Nick Parry, said: “The mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Jack Pickersgill, has today told me of his decision to resign from Stevenage Borough Council with immediate effect for family reasons.

“The deputy mayor, Cllr Sherma Batson, will undertake mayoral duties in Stevenage from today.

“The election of mayor of Stevenage for 2014/15 will take place, as planned, at the annual council meeting on June 10.”