Two Labour councillors have quit Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, revealing tensions within the party.

Sue Moffat, who was recently in the running to become Labour's parliamentary candidate for Newcastle-under-Lyme, has resigned as a councillor for Audley.

Meanwhile Steph Talbot, founder and former CEO of the Alice charity, has resigned as a councillor for Knutton.

The two resignations mean there is likely to be a by-election in both areas, and this is expected to happen in September.

Steph Talbot

The council's election rules mean that a by-election will be triggered if it's called for by two or more voters in the relevant area.

A Labour Party official thanked both of the former councillors for their service and said the party is now preparing its by-election campaign.

A spokesperson said: "We want to put on record our thanks to both Steph and Sue for being fantastic public servants, serving the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

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"Both have shown great levels of commitment to local politics. With two local by-elections, we're going carry on campaigning across the borough.

Sue Moffat.

"We'll be doing everything we can to spread a positive message about what Labour can do both nationally and here in Newcastle.

A Conservative Party spokesperson also confirmed they are preparing for a by-election.

The Tories are currently in charge of the council, with 25 councillors, while Labour has 17 – which is down from 19 before the resignations were announced.