AN Oldham Councillor has resigned from office citing "personal reasons".

Councillor Rod Blyth, who represented the Shaw ward, has stepped down from his post with immediate effect on December 9.

In a notice of vacancy in office of councillor, posted on the Council's website, it states: "Notice is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred in the office of Councillor for the Shaw Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, due to the resignation of Councillor Rod Blyth.

"As this vacancy has occurred within six months before the day on which the councillor would normally have retired, no election will be held in accordance with Section 89(3) of the Local Government Act 1972. The seat will be filled at the next ordinary election on May 2 2018."

A council spokesperson confirmed: "Oldham Council has received notification of the resignation of Councillor Blyth.

"We would not be able to comment further on any aspect of this."