Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field today accepted the resignation of Wayne McKeague, who has been on leave of absence from his duties as a councillor since February 25, 2005.

"Mr McKeague, who is facing criminal charges, has exercised his right to resign. The resignation takes effect immediately," Mr Field said.

The full council would be briefed on the implications of the resignation at its meeting of March 31.

"By law, a by-election is inevitable, we are unable to carry a vacancy this far from the next election," Mr Field said.

The Council would firm up legal time frames as to when the by-election must be held and assess filling various vacancies triggered by the resignation.

It is likely the by-election will take place in June.

Neither Mr Field nor Mayor Clive Geddes would be making any further comment until after next week's briefing.

ENDS

By: Tamah