Blenheim ward Councillor Laressa Shenfield has officially resigned from Marlborough District Council, due to the relocation of her family to Melbourne.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett said Ms Shenfield tendered her official resignation by email this morning.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Shenfield for all of her hard work and service to this Council during her last two terms, and I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mayor Leggett said.

Marlborough District Council Electoral Officer Dean Heiford said there is a process to follow now which Council staff will implement. A paper will be presented at the next Ordinary Council meeting on 1 November 2018, setting out options.

“They include a by-election, the appointment of a qualified person, or not replacing Ms Shenfield until next year’s election,” Mr Heiford said.

Ms Shenfield said she has thoroughly enjoyed her last five years as a Councillor and particularly her work on the Marlborough Environment Plan.

“Due to my personal circumstances my decision to resign was sadly unavoidable. I wish the Council all the best for the remaining term and for the future. As a ratepayer in the province I will continue to take an interest in the work of the Council, albeit from afar,” Ms Shenfield said.

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