WIRRAL'S youngest councillor has resigned after what he described as a "difficult" experience with "many hurdles" along the road.

Cllr Warren Ward stepped down from his role as ward councillor for Bromborough with immediate effect.

It comes after he was elected to the seat in 2016 at the age of just 18. He told a full council meeting on Monday it was to concentrate on his job at the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Addressing the meeting, he said: "I was elected to this council aged 18, the youngest elected councillor in this borough's history and one of the youngest in the country.

"I knew that being a young councillor was always going to be difficult with many hurdles along the road, but I hope that I have been able to inspire other young people to get involved in local politics to make a difference and to change their communities."

During his two years in charge, Cllr Ward's work has included the campaign to regenerate New Ferry following last year’s huge explosion, as well as campaigning to highlight LBGT issues.

He recently shared on social media how the role has led to "personal attacks", bullying, intimidation and abusive posts directed at him, adding: "I'm getting tired of it".

Cllr Ward, who joined the Labour party at 15, told the full council meeting his decision to step down followed months of contemplating his future with loved ones, including fiance Steve McCulloch and his parents.

He also said he was "absolutely passionate" about continuing to support the New Ferry community, adding: "We still continue the carry on and fight for funding."

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said Cllr Ward had been an "excellent local ward member".

He said: "I'd like to pay tribute to you and your other ward members for the way you worked in the aftermath of the terrible explosion in New Ferry.

"It was fantastic the way you helped businesses and residents who lost everything in that community.

"Tonight is about saying thank you to you and wish you all the best for everything you do in the future."

Conservative group leader Cllr Ian Lewis said Cllr Ward had "drawn attention to issues this council has ignored for too long".

Here's Cllr Ward’s speech to council on Monday in full:

"Thank you for the opportunity to address full council this evening.

"I have had the honour and privilege to serve this borough over the past two years and it is with great regret that I announce that this evening's full council will be my last duty as an elected member in this chamber.

"I have always been a believer in dedicating 100% of time and effort into everything that I do. It is this reason why I have taken the decision to resign.

"I have a new role at the Chamber of Commerce supporting the local economy and supporting the creation of more enterprises here in Wirral.

"This is an important and demanding role which requires my full attention.

"Mr Mayor – I was elected to this council aged 18, the youngest elected councillor in this borough's history and one of the youngest in the country.

"I knew that being a young councillor was always going to be difficult with many hurdles along the road, but I hope that I have been able to inspire other young people to get involved in local politics to make a difference and to change their communities.

"Though I am leaving politics for now. I will remain active in the local community and in particular, I will remain in post as Chairperson of the New Ferry Town Team.

"I am absolutely passionate about supporting the New Ferry community.

"It's my home town, and I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve together over the past two years.

"Nobody could have ever imagined that the community would be at the centre of a major explosion we still continue the carry on and fight for funding. New Ferry and Port Sunlight has an exciting future.

"I look forward to leading its growth and re-incarnation, not as a politician, but as a young lad who cares about his town’s future.

"My final words in this chamber have to be to thank all of our dedicated officers, the people of Bromborough, Port Sunlight and new ferry and to all of our elected members.

"But most importantly, I want to thank my partner, Steven McCulloch, my parents, Andy & Clare and all of my family.

"It is those closest to us who make the biggest sacrifices for our public service."