THE BROTHER of former Trafford Council leader Sean Anstee is stepping down as councillor.

Councillor Stephen Anstee has represented the Broadheath Ward since 2015, but will step down when his term finishes next year.

The Conservative councillor confirmed he would not be standing for re-election in next May's local elections due to family reasons.

Cllr Anstee also revealed that he plans to move away from the borough at the end of his term.

The move follows his resignation from Partington Parish Council last month.

Cllr Anstee said: "I will be standing down when my term finishes in May 2019 to enable me to spend more time with my family, which does include planning a move away from Trafford in the future.

"I have recently taken the difficult decision not to seek re-election in May 2019.

"Having chatted this through with my wife and family, I have decided the time is right to spend more time with them, following nearly four fantastic years serving the residents of Broadheath Ward.

"Being a councillor takes a huge amount of effort and time and it has been an absolute honour to have had the opportunity to serve, and to have brought about significant change and improvement to the ward since being elected in 2015.

"The Broadheath Ward community is made up of many really committed groups and volunteers and I have made some great friends over the years, getting stuck in and doing my best to deliver for residents everyday."