STROUD town and district councillor Charlie Burling, who has been involved in politics since he was 14, has resigned from local government to spend more time concentrating on his career.
Mr Burling, whose resignation was officially received on Thursday, has served as a member of Stroud Town Council for four years and a member of Stroud District Council for three years.
"The first election I was involved in was in 1974 and I need a break from it," said Mr Burling, 47, of Horns Road, Stroud.
"It's all wonderful stuff but I want concentrate on my work with young people and education and housing. A lot of those skills I picked up in politics over the years are transferable.
"I have made a lot of contacts and a lot of friends. People from all the parties have been very kind and nice to me."
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