A Sutton councillor who suffered a stroke while on holiday abroad has been forced to quit due to “ill health”.

Wallington North Cllr Joyce Melican submitted her formal resignation to the council on February 12 after she fell ill while in Hamburg, Germany, last year.

The Liberal Democrat and Beddington and Wallington Local Committee chair leaves her position after first being elected in May 2010.

Since then the council’s interim boss Mary Morrissey has urged two local government registered electors in the council to launch a by-election so the vacancy can be filled.

In internal correspondence seen by Sutton Guardian, the council's head of electoral services Martha Matheou said: “We have today [February 12] received a formal resignation from councillor Melican due to her ill health.

“I am sure you will join me wishing her a speedy recovery and best wishes.

“I await an email or letter from two local government electors requesting that the vacancy is filled and a by-election takes place. “Any party or elector can request the by-election.

“Once this notice from electors is received I can then confirm the date of the by-election and supply usual nomination papers and deadlines.”

The by-election will be held on March 28, the second by-election to be held in around four months following abrupt resignation of former Belmont councillor Patrick McManus last September.

His seat was taken by fellow Conservative party councillor Neil Garratt.