INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Embattled District 13 representative Stephen Clay announced his resignation Monday from the City-County Council of Indianapolis and Marion County.

The resignation became effective Monday at noon, according to city spokesperson Angela Plank.

Clay had previously stepped down from the council’s top job on Feb. 19, 2018 following a six-week tenure as president. He was elected Jan. 8, 2018 with the support of nine Republican council members.

During his presidency, Clay fired three council employees; two had received “unauthorized” pay raises, he alleged.

Council Democrats responded by expelling Clay from their party’s caucus and filing suit to reinstate the terminated staffers.

The caucus expulsion played a role in Clay’s decision to resign from the council at large, colleagues said, adding he felt “cut out” of budget discussions.

“This has been percolating for weeks,” a Republican council member said Monday. “I wasn’t shocked by the resignation but I didn’t know it was going to happen today.”

Vop Osili, the council president, told News 8 he “had no idea” Clay planned to resign until Monday.

“Within the next 10 days to 30 days, there will be a special caucus of Democrats to elect — in the interim — a replacement for District 13,” Osili said. “I’m wishing [Clay] the very best in his next endeavors and the things that he’s moving on to.”

Clay had expressed interest in opportunities within the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, according to Republican and Democratic council members.

County officials declined to confirm Monday night if Clay had accepted a position at the sheriff’s office.

Clay did not immediately respond to requests for comment from News 8.