A FORMER mayor of Cirencester has made a shock exit from the town council.

Cllr Joe Harris kept his resignation secret from even his father, the current mayor, and only made the announcement at the end of a meeting on Tuesday.

He explained that balancing the workload of the district and county councils had become difficult, with frequent diary clashes.

“There’s big challenges at the county and district councils over the coming years and I want to give the best I can for the people of Cirencester," he said.

“When I look at all we’ve achieved here at the town council I’m very proud.

“Other councils can look to us as an example. We stand tall among councils."

He added the “proudest moment” of his life was becoming Britain’s youngest mayor in 2013 and that he still got a “tingly feeling” when the council’s pledge was read at the beginning of meetings.

“I still can’t remember it though, maybe I should get it tattooed on me.”

Shell-shocked current major Mark Harris did not comment on the resignation but council CEO Andrew Tubb said working with the young councillor had been a “privilege”.

He will continue to serve until September 1 when there will be a by-election.