LEIGH MP Jo Platt has stepped down from her role as a councillor three months after being voted into Parliament.

The single mum-of-two from Tyldesley has represented the Astley and Mosley Common ward on Wigan Council since May 2012.

Her resignation will pave the way for a by-election to be called for October 19 to see who will take her place alongside the other two ward Cllrs Barry Taylor and Christine Roberts.

Miss Platt's resignation will be formally announced in a full council meeting at Wigan Town Hall at 6pm tomorrow.

The Labour MP said: “Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Leigh I have been very clear about my intention to step down as councillor for Astley and Mosley Common.

“The best interests of the people and businesses I represent have been paramount in the timing of that decision.

“After a consultation I believe that now is the right time to step aside and allow the people of Astley and Mosley Common to choose a replacement.

“I have met and worked with some truly wonderful and inspiring people and will continue to do so in my capacity as the Member of Parliament for the constituency.

“I have had the opportunity to work and support some superb community groups and I am eternally thankful to them for the commitment and the hard work they do.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all staff at Wigan Council, in particular chief executive Donna Hall.

“Donna is testament to all the hard working staff in the council and is a true role model for women at the top.

“I would also like to thank the Labour group, who have supported me throughout my term, and specifically group leader Lord Peter Smith.

“Lord Smith’s support and guidance has been invaluable during my political career and I look forward to working closely with him for the benefit of Leigh.”

In August UKIP chairman for Leigh Jayson Lomax-Hargreaves criticised Miss Platt for not giving up her role as a ward councillor following her General Election win.

He claimed she would no longer be able to serve the people of Astley and Mosley Common to the best of her ability and said that being paid by taxpayers in two positions is 'totally inappropriate'.

Miss Platt responded by saying she would continue to do her best for Astley and Mosley Common until it is in the best interests of the ward to stand down and that she had not claimed any expenses from the council since becoming an MP.