Bristol's longest serving Liberal Democrat city councillor has pulled out of the race to be MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke.

John Kiely, who lives in Brislington, said he will not contest the newly-formed constituency.

The 52-year-old said it was becoming increasingly difficult to balance his ward and council duties with his work as a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in an election which must be held by June 3 next year.

In addition, his shift work at Frenchay Hospital, as an administrator, meant it was not always easy to attend events or meetings which will only increase in number in the months ahead. He resigned from the post at the end of last week.

Mr Kiely said: "It was a real privilege to have been given the opportunity to stand as a parliamentary candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke as I know the area extremely well and also work in it.

"But following my re-election to Bristol City Council in June 1 told the residents of Easton ward that they would be my first priority and I feel I cannot do that pledge justice and be fair to the local party in Filton and Bradley Stoke at the same time.

"I know that some members feel that they need a PPC who can concentrate solely on the forthcoming general election campaign and so it is with great reluctance that I have decided to stand down to give them the time to find that person."

A constituency spokesman said: "The Filton and Bradley Stoke Liberal Democrats would like to thank him for all the hard work which he has put into the role whist he has been our prospective parliamentary candidate. We wish John every success in the future especially in his role as the elected Liberal Democrat councillor for the Easton Ward of Bristol City Council."