A prominent Green Party politician has today ruled himself out of the running to become the party's new national leader.

Adrian Ramsay, a former Norwich city councillor, was thought to be among the front-runners to contest the position this summer following the resignation of Caroline Lucas.

But Mr Ramsay, who has been Green Party deputy leader since 2008, insisted it was not the right time for him to takeover at the top.

The 30-year-old, of Dereham Road, said: 'I'm getting married in a few weeks time and the next few years are not the right time for me to be taking on a position of that nature.

'I appreciate all the encouragement I've had from party members to stand and I've thought about the opportunity long and hard.

'But, in terms of my personal plans, it wouldn't be right for me or the party to put myself forward this year for a role involving that level of responsibility and travelling.'

Mr Ramsay added: 'It's clear that we are going to have a healthy competition between strong candidates for the post of Green Party Leader.

'I will continue to play an active role in the Green Party nationally and locally and look forward to supporting our new leadership team.'

The Norwich Green Party has yet to select its candidate General Election candidate for Norwich South.

This is expected to take place in the autumn.