Lambeth’s deputy mayor has stepped down from her position following her arrest for an alleged assault involving her and her two sons.

Councillor Judith Best, who was arrested on August 1 for an attack on 41-year-old Neil Potter near her home in Madeira Road, said she could no longer continue as deputy mayor while the case against her remained active.

Coun Best was arrested for actual bodily harm with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm following the incident, but she has not been charged with either offence.

Her sons, Scott Richards, 31, of Beadnell Road, and Rion Peters, 20, of Madeira Road, will stand trial in January accused of two counts of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding.

In a letter of resignation to Lambeth’s mayor Christiana Valcarcel, Coun Best said she was "extremely frustrated" the case against her had not reached a conclusion, and was determined to prove her innocence.

She said she would continue to represent her ward, Streatham Wells, as a Liberal Democrat councillor but would officially step down as Deputy Mayor at the next council meeting on November 9.

She said: "I have strenuously denied the allegations and have answered all the questions put to me about them.

"I am, of course, extremely frustrated that despite my co-operation the police investigation has not been brought to any conclusion.

"I have urged them to bring the case to a close at the earliest opportunity.

"My first priority as a councillor is to my ward and to my constituents. I continue to work hard on their behalf, taking up issues, and attending ward meetings.

"I remain convinced that the police will conclude that I am innocent of all the accusations against me.

"However, I have decided that while the uncertainty around their investigation remains I cannot continue as Deputy Mayor."

Ashley Lumsden, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Lambeth, said councillor for Streatham Hill ward, Kita Ogden, would be nominated as Coun Best’s replacement at the next council meeting.

He said: "Judy remains a valued member of the Lambeth Council Liberal Democrat Group and we continue to support her while she clears her name.

"She continues to represent her constituents in Streatham Wells ward. We urge the police to resolve these matters as quickly as possible."