Sir Peter Soulsby MP steps down to enter mayoral race

Image caption, Sir Peter's announcement means a by-election will now be held

An East Midlands MP has announced he is to stand down in order to enter the race to become Leicester's first elected mayor.

Sir Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, was selected as Labour's candidate at a ballot on Saturday.

Other candidates announced include city councillor Ross Grant for the Conservatives. Other main parties have yet to select candidates.

The mayoral vote will take place on 5 May, alongside the local elections.

Plans for an elected mayor in Leicester were approved by the Labour-controlled council in December.

The new mayor will have the power to initiate policies across council services, and will select up to nine councillors as a supporting cabinet.

Sir Peter's decision to stand for mayor means a by-election will be held in the Leicester South constituency on a date yet to be announced.