A LEADING Liberal Democrat councillor is leaving her £14,000-a-year Cabinet post to take up a job in child protection.

Councillor Virginia Moore, who represents the Millbrook ward, announced her resignation from the Cabinet at a meeting yesterday.

Cllr Moore will officially resign her job this Friday. Her post will be taken by Swaythling councillor Ann Milton.

Cllr Moore, who held the health and social care portfolio, has held her job since May this year following the local government elections.

She told members of her "great sadness" at her resignation.

She said: "This is due to the fact that an opportunity has arisen and I will be able to work in the child protection area.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this role. Health and social care has always been very dear to my heart. It has not been a very easy decision to make."

Cllr Moore paid tribute to senior managers at the council. She said: "I could not have had a better team to work with."

City council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson led tributes to Cllr Moore.

He said: "Every one of your Cabinet colleagues will miss your presence. I understand that this is a tremendous opportunity to take your commitment to the welfare of children into another realm.

"I would like to thank you for all you have given."