LABOUR'S only member on Wokingham Borough Council has been forced to step down due to ill health.

Nicky Jerrome was elected to represent Bulmershe & Whitegates in 2014 taking the seat from the Liberal Democrats but stood down yesterday (Thursday, March 24) after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

"I couldn't switch off, I was lying awake at night," she said.

"In February 2015 I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It got to a point where I was under treatment for a year and nothing changed much.

"I resigned at this time so the council could call a by-election at the same time as the local elections without costing the tax payers.

"One of the worst things was the feeling I was letting people down, letting down people that voted for me."

Ms Jerrome was the only Labour councillor on Wokingham Borough Council which is now made up of 47 Conservative members, five Liberal Democrats and one independent member.

On Thursday, May 5, electors will head to the polls to choose members for 19 wards across the borough along with the Thames Valley's new Police and Crime Commissioner.

Ms Jerome said the highlight of her two years representing Bulmershe & Whitegates was getting a motion passed by the council.

The 38-year-old said: "It was back in November 2015 I got a motion passed which in my position was no mean feat.

"I put forward a motion for the council to engage with the Mental Health Challenge. The Conservatives amended it but it got through.

"I made the council commit to engaging with them. That was a very proud moment for me to stand up and tell people I had depression and anxiety.

"It's really really important for me to make a positive difference and I hope to work for something like a charity and keep raising awareness for mental health issues."