A BICKLEY councillor is standing down at the next election so he can concentrate his efforts on becoming the next Erith & Thamesmead MP.

Conservative parliamentary candidate Colin Bloom has been a member of Bromley Council for eight years and told the News Shopper it will be a wrench to leave when his term of office expires next May.

But the 38-year-old father of four is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

In a letter to his chairman, Mr Bloom wrote: “I have had eight years pretty much at the top of Bromley politics, it has been an enormous privilege and honour, and I will take away many fond memories of my time as a public servant on Bromley Council.”

The council leader Stephen Carr said: “Colin has served both Bickley and Bromley with dedication, passion and integrity for nearly eight years.

“He will be sorely missed. However, he will make a terrific MP and so he goes with the support and affection from his colleagues on Bromley Council.”