After sitting on Abbotsford city council for more than 20 years, Simon Gibson has officially left his post.

After his election to the legislature in May as a BC Liberal MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, Gibson said he would retain his seat on council until January, as resigning closer to the next municipal election would avoid having to run an “expensive by-election” for his seat on council.

Despite retaining his seat, Gibson did not participate in the majority of council meetings since his election to the legislature and was not compensated for the time.

Council will operate with seven councillors and the mayor until the municipal election in November.