A Mount Gambier City councillor has advised he will take a leave of absence as of Friday.

Councillor Ben Hood gave notice of his intentions at council’s September monthly meeting following discussions with Mayor Lynette Martin and chief executive Sarah Philpott.

Cr Hood said he had been discussing the next steps regarding his role as councillor in relation to being preselected as the Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier.

“Although legislatively, I am not required to seek a leave of absence until nominations close for the election, I have made the decision to seek a leave of absence from my duties,” he said.

Cr Hood said this will allow him to finalise some issues he had been working on for residents and close out any committee work.

During his leave Cr Hood will not accept a member’s allowance payment and will resign from the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre committee.

Cr Hood will be away from his duties until the public declaration of the March 2022 State Election result.

“Depending on the result of the election, I will return to my councillor duties,” Cr Hood said.

Based on legal advice relating specifically to a leave of absence for a candidacy in the State Election Cr Hood will not be entitled to receive any allowance for the period of his leave.