Labour MP Tristram Hunt has resigned to become the director of the V&A museum in London.

His resignation will trigger a by-election for his Stoke-on-Trent constituency.

Despite being a vocal critic of party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Hunt says his resignation is not aimed at "rocking the boat".

In a letter to Corbyn, he wrote: "As I enter a new role as a public servant, I will be leaving partisan politics behind me and will work impartially as a museum director.

"I am sorry to put you, the party and the people of Stoke-on-Trent through a by-election.

"I have no desire to rock the boat now and anyone who interprets my decision to leave in that way is just plain wrong."

He added: "I have loved the V&A since I was a boy and today it is a global leader in its unrivalled collections, special exhibitions, academic research and visitor experience.

"It is a moment of transformation and renewal for the V&A, with the upcoming opening of the new Exhibition Road entrance and new sites and galleries in Dundee, China and Stratford."

The V&A Dundee museum is currently being built at a cost of £80m. It is expected to open in 2018.

A spokesman for Corbyn said: "Jeremy would like to thank Tristram Hunt for his service to the people of Stoke-on-Trent Central and to the Labour Party.

"Jeremy wishes him well in his future pursuits at the V&A."