ELECTIONS for two seats on Darwen Town Council are set to be held next month after the resignation of the deputy leader and the death of another.

Councillor Paul O’Garr, 50, is to step down due to a change in his work commitments which means he will be working away from home.

The Labour member said it was ‘only fair’ to his constituents in Darwen to resign as he would not be able to adequately represent them.

Another vacancy on the council arose after the death of John Roberts, the long-term partner of Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, who died on February 26.

Cllr Roberts, who was 61 when he died, was a major figure in the borough Labour Party for decades.

He was elected as councillor for Marsh House in May 2014.

Cllr O’Garr, who works as an electrical firm office manager and also represents the Marsh House ward ,was appointed deputy chair of the council shortly after being elected last May.

He said: “The town council does a sterling job in promoting the interests of Darwen but having taken on a new role recently I will not be able to commit the time or attend the meetings due to having to work away.”

Cllr O’Garr was also town council representative on the Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board and had been involved with consultations on the town’s markets.

Darwen town Mayor, Cllr Brian Taylor said Cllr O’Garr had ‘acted responsibly’.

He said: “I want to thank Paul for his previous work and commitment but personal commitments have led to his decision.

“I believe that Paul has acted very responsibly by making his decision now and saving the council expense, the timing will allow there to be two elections at the same time.”

The elections are set to be held on Thursday, May 4 at the same time as the county council poll.