Some voters in Brent will head to the polls just over a month after the General Election as the council announced a date for a trio of new year by-elections.

Residents in Barnhill, Alperton and Wembley Central will, between them, elect four new members to Brent Council on January 23.

It comes following a series of resignations in the run-up to the recent General Election.

Michael Pavey and Sarah Marquis stepped down from their roles in Barnhill ward on November 27 and November 29 respectively.

They both cited “personal reasons” for leaving their positions and were swiftly followed by Wembley Central representative Luke Patterson on December 4, who wants to devote more time to his teaching career.

Following the resignations, Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “As too often happens, hardworking local representatives find their civic duties and their personal, professional, and familial responsibilities incompatible.

“We thank these talented, passionate people for their contribution to the borough and look forward to announcing our Labour Party candidates in due course.”

James Allie, who served in Alperton ward, became the fourth councillor to leave their post when he informed the council of his resignation on December 9.

A report published the day before on Mail Online said Mr Allie used money from a woman’s £1.6 million estate – of which he was the executor – to buy a house. It is not known whether this is linked to his resignation.

Carolyn Downs, chief executive of Brent Council, announced the details of the forthcoming by-elections and urged everyone to get involved in electing new representatives.

She said: “I’d encourage anyone from these wards who is eligible but not yet registered to vote to make sure they do so before the deadline so they can take part in the by-election.

“It’s your democratic right and an important way you can help shape the future of your local area.”

The deadline for nominations to stand in the elections is 4pm on December 24.

Eligible voters for these elections who are not registered have until midnight on January 7 to do so.