Councillor George Madgwick has stepped down as Reform UK group leader on Portsmouth City Council “for now”.

Cllr Madgwick, who represents Paulsgrove ward, was previously leader of the Portsmouth Independents Party before joining Reform UK in July last year.

He is stepping down alongside deputy leader Councillor Raymond Dent.

In a statement shared on social media, Cllr Madgwick said that following the deaths of his uncles in recent months, his grandfather passed away last week, while his grandmother has since fallen ill and requires additional support.

The announcement follows news from September last year, when former councillor Brian Madgwick, George’s father, stood down due to ill health.

Cllr Madgwick said his personal challenges have “been mixed into a time where I have a new job where I have to travel a lot and a number of other personal issues”.

He added that the council’s upcoming budget-setting process and the local elections will require “a huge amount of time and energy”, which he does not currently have the time or mental capacity to commit to.

“Collectively as a group we have decided to nominate Cllr Joe Standen to replace me as Reform leader locally as he’s the only Reform councillor to ever be elected in Pompey. Cllr Russell Simpson will be deputy.

“This isn’t forever, just for now. I’ve given my heart and soul to local politics for five years now, to the detriment of my personal life. However my family and loved ones need me right now and I have to put them first during this time.”

Cllr Joe Standen, who was elected in October last year, said he is “honoured to have the confidence of my colleagues to step into this role at such a critical moment, particularly as we enter the budget-setting process and the run up to local elections.

“I take this responsibility seriously and will work hard to provide strong, stable leadership while continuing to put residents first.”