Simon Dodsworth, the deputy leader of Elmbridge Council, has resigned.

Councillor Dodsworth told the Elmbridge Guardian: “I resigned because I am moving to Dubai and obviously I can’t, as much as I would love to, represent the people of Weybridge South.

"It is not practical to do that when you live in another country.

“It is just a great opportunity both personally and career wise and for my family.

“It is a bit of a mixed emotion. It is very exciting but mixed with sadness leaving all the guys behind.

“Elmbridge has been great fun and not without its challenges. Working in the cabinet has been great to contribute something to the community.”

Coun Dodsworth said his family were very excited about the move but equally sad at the same time.

He said: “We have lived in Weybridge for our whole life with our children so to do something different is exciting but we leave a lot behind.”

Coun Dodsworth praised councillors and officers at the council and said he will miss the way they work together at the council.

He said: “We are very lucky in Elmbridge that officers and councillors work so well together.”

The council confirmed Councillor Dodsworth, who represented Weybridge South, had resigned and posted a notice of vacancy for the ward on their website.

John O’Reilly, leader of the council, said: “Simon has been offered a job which takes him abroad. Career and family must always come first.

“His employers gain and his personal gain is our loss. He was a superb colleague, councillor and deputy leader and portfolio holder for regulatory affairs.

“He was absolutely first rate and a huge talent for the council and a superb colleague. We will miss him terribly. He was a phenomenal councillor.

“It is bittersweet. We wish him all the best but it is bitter in the sense we are losing such a wonderful colleague.”

A council spokeswoman said a by-election is likely to take place at the end of July.