Green councillor Eric Lucas, who has represented Oxford's St Clement's ward since 1998, is quitting local politics.

Cllr Lucas, 38, who works as an occupational therapist, has got a new job in Bath and will not fight his seat in the local elections in May, when all city councillors are up for re- election.

He is the second Green city councillor to announce his intention to stand down.

Cllr Paul Ingram, deputy leader of the council, announced last year that it would be very unlikely that he would be contesting his seat because he wanted to spend more time with his wife, who works in London.

Cllr Lucas said he and his partner, Christine James, and their two sons, Fynn, four, and Theo, two, would be sad to leave Oxford.

He said: "I have really enjoyed representing the people of St Clement's and it will be sad to leave, but I have got a good work opportunity in Bath. Bath has got similar problems to Oxford -- major traffic congestion and high house prices, so I'll feel quite at home!"

His move to Bath means he is less likely to attend committee meetings until May.

Fellow Green councillor Mike Woodin said: "Eric has been an excellent colleague to work with and it will be a shame to lose someone of his experience.

"He has had to balance his professional life with his political and personal life, like the rest of us."

Cllr Lucas, who previously chaired the health and environment committee, does not need to officially quit to force a by-election because local elections are just a few months away.