A TEESSIDE MP is stepping down from his role as a councillor – sparking another election fight in May. 

Stockton South Conservative Matt Vickers has continued to represent Hartburn on Stockton Council since his election to Parliament in 2019. 

But council officials have confirmed the Tory MP will stand down ahead of a by-election on May 6. 

The former group leader was elected to his Hartburn ward with a large majority in May 2019 – taking 1,545 votes.

He then beat Labour’s Dr Paul Williams by more than 5,000 votes later that year to claim a seat in Westminster. 

The MP told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he had intended to step down as a councillor in May 2020, before the pandemic put paid to the opportunity. 

Mr Vickers has represented Hartburn since 2015 – and said it had been an “absolute pleasure and privilege” to serve the ward. 

He added: “You couldn’t hope for more supportive residents and it’s been great to work with them to tackle the challenges they face – everything from potholes to street lights, and dog mess to speeding.

“It’s been an incredibly rewarding role and I can’t thank residents enough for their support.

“I look forward to continuing to work on all these issues and more as the MP. 

“I’ll still be a regular litter picker on the Six Fields and I’ll still be doing pothole patrol to look for local issues.”

Mr Vickers has come under fire from Labour opponents in the council chamber – with past jibes about him being a “part-time MP” for holding both roles. 

A rancorous meeting last year also saw the MP complain to the council over claims he was ejected from the virtual chamber.

On top of his MP’s salary, Mr Vickers was entitled to an annual allowance of £9,300 for his role as a councillor. 

But Mr Vickers has confirmed he gave this money away to Teesside charities and community groups since becoming an MP. 

He added: “Anyone standing for any form of public office should be prepared to get some abuse.

“I expected a fair bit of it when I became an MP – but to be honest most of it has come from Stockton Council and its members. 

“I’ve been astonished by the differing approaches of councillors – some independent, Thornaby Independent Association (TIA), Liberal Democrat and Labour members have been willing to work across party lines in the interest of their communities. 

“It’s disappointing to see others apparently unwilling to meet or engage in any way and on any issues with their MP.”

Niall Innes will stand as the Conservative candidate to defend the Hartburn seat. 

Conservative group leader Cllr Tony Riordan said Mr Vickers had been a “superb leader” of the party’s group in the past – and wished him well. 

“The candidates for both Yarm and Hartburn have got big shoes to fill,” he added.

Voters in Yarm will also go to the polls to elect a new ward member after Conservative councillor Tony Hampton has also stood down. 

Members agreed to give Cllr Hampton dispensation from attending council meetings in November due to illness. 

Cllr Riordan confirmed Cllr Hampton had stepped down on health grounds – but would still play a role in the Conservative Association. 

“We wish him a healthy life ahead of him,” he added. 

There will now be five by-elections in the borough on May 6.

Councillors will be elected in Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree, Billingham West, the Western Parishes, Yarm and Hartburn. 

Notices of election will be published on March 22 with nominations closing at 4pm on Thursday, April 8. 

A list of candidates in the five seats will be officially announced on April 9.