The opposition leader on Bath and North East Somerset Council has stepped from the role and left the Conservative party.

Councillor Paul Myers' move comes just weeks after Dine Romero resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats after a challenge from new authority leader Kevin Guy.

Mr Myers has led the Conservative group for two years since former council leader Tim Warren failed to get re-elected.

He will stay on as an independent – but not part of the independent group – representing Midsomer Norton Redfield until the next elections in 2023, when he plans to stand down.

He said he decided to step back from frontline politics to spend more time with his family after what has been a challenging couple of years for him personally.

Mr Myers said: "I came into local politics in 2011 not just to represent the residents of Midsomer Norton Redfield but to get things done to make a real difference.

"I've given it my all since 2011 and will now, by standing aside from B&NES Council wider politics, focus on working on a few remaining projects in Midsomer Norton such as the town hall, with fellow ward councillor Chris Watt.

"Above all I look forward to having more of a personal home life."

Vic Pritchard, the Conservative group's acting leader until members can vote for Mr Myers' replacement in the next few weeks, said: "On behalf of all members of the Conservative Group, I would like to say an enormous thank you to Paul for everything he has done for us over the past two years.

"He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, successfully managed a consistently high workload and conducted himself throughout with an erudite political wit. For these reasons, and many more, he will be greatly missed.

"We wish him every success in his future endeavours, and I have every faith that he will continue to be an outstanding ward councillor for Midsomer Norton."

Labour's Grant Johnson praised Mr Myers' enthusiasm and commitment and said Midsomer Norton Pride would not have been the same event without his involvement.