An Essex councillor who became an MP in Hertfordshire in the General Election is holding onto two council seats.

But Gagan Mohindra, who represents Chigwell and Loughton Broadway, has stepped down as cabinet member for finance, property and housing.

He had said that if he was elected, he would stand down from his council roles in the New Year.

Cllr Mohindra beat David Gauke, a former justice secretary who lost the whip after rebelling over Brexit, by more than 14,000 votes on December 12.

Mr Mohindra’s cabinet responsibilities will now be looked after by the leader of Essex County Council, David Finch.

Cllr Mohindra, who was elected to the council in 2017, is no longer able to claim a £3,000 a month special responsibility allowance but will be eligible for a basic allowance of £1,000 a month.

He also remains a councillor for Epping Forest District Council, where he has represented Grange Hill since 2006.

He is also chairman of Essex Conservatives, and sits on the board of West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group.

Cllr Mohindra was candidate for North Tyneside in the 2010 general election.

He made it onto the shortlist for the Brentwood and Ongar seat but missed out eventually to Alex Burghart.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Following his election as Member of Parliament for South West Hertfordshire, Cllr Gagan Mohindra has stepped down as Essex County Council cabinet member for finance, property and housing, but will remain as county councillor for Chigwell and Loughton Broadway.

“Cllr David Finch, leader of Essex County Council, has now taken responsibility for the finance, property and housing portfolio.”