Former Councilmember Scott Jones’ resignation is effective immediately, according to a new release from the Mobile City Council.

Jones, who unexpectedly resigned during yesterday’s council meeting, had previously stated that he would serve on the council until the end of the month.

But, according to a release from the council, Jones’ resignation must be immediate under Alabama precedent.

The release also said that the city council will set the date for a special election at its next regular meeting on April 11.

Jones told the Lede that he received a phone call Tuesday night from city attorney Michael Linder, informing him that his resignation was effective immediately.

“It is what it is,” he said.

Jones also said he would hold a press conference in the next couple of days where he would address his reasons for resigning.

According to the release, Jones resigned “without any qualifications or conditions, on the record, and in the presence of the council and the Mobile City Clerk.” Because of that, under Alabama precedent, Jones’ resignation is immediate and cannot be withdrawn, the release says.

The release cited several court cases, such as State v. Fitts, State v. Fowler and McCluskey v. Lansdell, as well as Alabama Attorney General’s opinions, as precedent for this decision.

“As such, Councilmember Jones ceased to hold office at that point and the District 6 Council seat is now vacant,” the release said.

On Tuesday, Jones stunned the rest of the council by resigning at the end of the meeting, citing the city’s continued relationship with AltaPointe Health Systems, the largest mental health provider in the region. Jones voted on issues earlier in the meeting and had given no public indications that he would resign.

The last resignation from the city council was over 10 years ago, when then-Councilmember Jermaine Burrell resigned from the city council in 2012. He was replaced by current Council President C.J. Small.