A councillor has stood down with immediate effect after a “political event” made her re-evaluate her role.

Cat Arnold, Adur District Councillor for St Mary’s ward in Shoreham, said she steps away from her position proud of “my community, my work and the people within it”.

Ms Arnold, who represented St Mary’s for five years, is also the founder of Adur Community Cafe, which provides “pay what you feel meals”, and CEO of Adur Voluntary Action, which supports local charities in the area.

In a statement on her social media platforms yesterday, Ms Arnold said: “This is a decision that I have taken purely by myself.

“In the past couple of months a local political event forced me to re-evaluate the dedication and commitment I have given to my role in local politics.

“I give my time and efforts, as you all know, for the inherent love of my local community, often working a full-time week within the role.

“I have given this time gladly and unreservedly as I wanted (and I hope you feel in some places I have) to give a voice to the voiceless and enable our community to improve.

“I have only ever wanted residents to have a choice on their lives, decisions made and who they vote for.

“It has been tough at times being a councillor and I have learned so much but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and the people I have worked with and helped along the way. This includes working with my wonderful local Labour Party team who I cannot fault and are brilliant colleagues.

“I step away being proud of my community, my work and the people within it.

“I wish my successor in the ward well. I will continue to support my local Labour Party team.

“I will continue to run Adur Community Café and another local charity.”

The former councillor, who signed off with “huge regards and best wishes”, said all her outstanding councillor work has been handed over to fellow ward councillor Jeremy Gardner.

Last year, Ms Arnold, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, threw her hat in the ring to become the Labour MP candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham, which is currently held by Conservative MP Tim Loughton.

But she was not included on the list of contenders, which was completed by a panel led by the party’s national executive committee.

The candidacy was eventually awarded to Lambeth councillor Tom Rutland.

At the time, Ms Arnold expressed “deep sadness and disappointment” at the decision and said: “It is incredibly sad that no local representatives are now in the running for this seat.”