FORMER Pendle Council leader Joe Cooney has quit working for borough MP Andrew Stephenson to become clerk to Keighley Town Council.

The 40-year-old had been senior caseworker for the Foreign Office Minister, re-elected last month, for three years.

He will remain as Conservative Lancashire County Councillor for Pendle Central, a post he has held since 2017.

Cllr Cooney was leader of the borough council from 2012 to 2015 and represented Vivary Bridge ward from 2011 to 2019.

He said: "I left Andrew's employ for career progression and pastures new.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working for him and appreciate the opportunity he gave me.

"People often do not realise the amount of work MPs and their staff do helping people.

"The job is something I have been working towards for some time and getting my qualifications.

"I am excited and looking forward to a new challenge."