Lib Dem councillor Stephanie Archer has resigned, triggering a by-election in her ward south of the borough.

A Notice of Vacancy was issued by a Kingston Council officer on Thursday 23 May announcing the position of Borough Councillor is up for grabs in Hook and Chessington North ward.

The council's website explains the position is free "due to the resignation of Cllr Stephanie Archer," with the webpage last being updated at 4:17pm on 23 May. 

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the party is "really grateful to Steph", adding: "We wish her and her family well."

There is currently no date for the by-election, but it must take place within 35 days after the council receives notice from two candidates running for the position.

However, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement on Wednesday of a general election, the clock is ticking for the council to organise the by-election if it is to not coincide with the national vote on 4 July.

Two Liberal Democrat councillors remain in the ward, Cllr Afy Afilaka (left) and Cllr Sue Ansari (right). (Photos: Kingston Council)

Hook and Chessington North ward's two remaining councillors, Cllr Sue Ansari and Cllr Afy Afilaka, are both Lib Dem colleagues of the departed Cllr Archer.

The results of the ward's last election in May 2022 put the party comfortably ahead, receiving 54-percent of the vote to the Conservative's 30-percent and winning them the Tory's last seat in the ward.

However, with a low turnout of only 41-percent and a possible blow to the party's reputation amongst voters following Cllr Archer's resignation, the outcome of the upcoming by-election is far from certain.

Nub News has reached out to Kingston Council and Kingston & Surbiton Conservatives for comment.

Kingston Labour has already announced a candidate will be standing in the election.