Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe is set to leave his post and become Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for planning.

The Labour politician has been the borough’s mayor since 2002 but is set to step down and move to City Hall.

A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said no announcement had been made, though the Gazette understands it is imminent.

His departure would spark the first by-election for a directly-elected mayor in London.

It could take place on July 21, the same day as the Hackney Central by-election to replace outgoing deputy mayor Cllr Sophie Linden, who has also left for City Hall to become Sadiq Khan’s deputy Mayor for policing.

Mayor Pipe’s new role means the existing plans for the controversial Bishopsgate skyscrapers look all but doomed.

Just days ago he called on City Hall to send the plans back to Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils so a more suitable project could be thought up with developers.