Former Sheffield City Council leader Tom Hunt has said he will not contest the forthcoming Walkley by-election, three months after losing the ward in the local elections. His decision removes the prospect of a direct attempt to regain the seat and leaves Labour to select another candidate as it seeks to retake it from the Greens.

Hunt represented Walkley for four years and led the council for three of them before Green councillor Andy Davies defeated him in May. Davies resigned last week, citing mental health concerns and the pressure of the role; the by-election date has not yet been set. Hunt said it was the right time for someone else to represent the area, while pledging to help Labour campaign.