The man due to take over Ilkley Parish Council this year has shocked colleagues by announcing a last-minute decision to bow out of local politics.

Vice-chairman Councillor Heathcliffe Bowen, 34, made his surprise announcement at a meeting of the council this week which was set to elevate him to Chairman-elect.

Chairman Coun Mike Gibbons told his colleagues he had been warned of Coun Bowen's intention only just before the meeting.

Reading from a written statement, Coun Bowen said: "It is with a profound sense of regret that I confirm my intention not to stand for re-election as a councillor for Ilkley West in May this year.

"Over the past year I have found it increasingly difficult to juggle the competing demands of my work and parish council activities.

"If I were to take on the role of chairman of the council in May this would inevitably lead to a clash between the duties of my parish council work and my paid employment.

"The commitments of my paid employment will always take precedence and as these show signs of increasing significantly in the near future I do not wish to become an absentee chairman. I believe the council members should choose someone else who can give the post the time and dedication it deserves."

Coun Bowen, who lives at Woodlands Rise, Ilkley, and works for Bradford Council, added that he also wanted to pursue several personal ambitions, including a return to academic studies, in the coming year. He said he hoped to push ahead with his career in local government, too, "possibly in another part of the country."

"I would like to say that it has been a tremendous pleasure to represent the electors of the Ilkley parish and especially Ilkley West Ward," he said. "I have enjoyed working with the chairman and other members in raising the profile of the parish council, developing a more active role for the council in the community and helping to arrange civic events.

"In the past year and a half I believe the parish council has moved forward significantly and trust that others will continue our work."

The unexpected development means a new successor to Coun Gibbons will have to be voted for at the next meeting of the parish council.

Responding to Coun Bowen's remarks, Coun Gibbons said: "It is difficult to know what to say at this stage except that I also regret your decision, but I understand it.

"We very much appreciate the work you have done for this council as vice-chairman."