A by-election will be held in Edgware in June after a Conservative councillor emigrated to Israel.

Councillor Richard Weider recently moved to the Middle East with his wife and will not continue as a councillor from June.

The by-election will be organised to coincide with the elections for the European Parliament on June 4 and in the meantime Mr Weider will continue some council duties.

Council leader Mike Freer said a by-election before the June elections would cost the taxpayer an additional £10,000.

He added: "There are two other very strong ward councillors who are more than capable of covering him and it doesn't make sense to call a by-election, at a cost of £10,000, if the elections are in June."

He said Mr Weider would not be claiming any allowances while he was in Israel.

Mr Weider will remain in contact with residents of his ward by correspondence.