Buckie councillor Christopher Price resigns
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BUCKIE Liberal Democrat councillor Christopher Price resigned this week.
Mr Price, Moray’s first Lib Dem councillor in recent history, was elected unopposed in May and attended only one of his five scheduled meetings.
Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns said: “I thank him for his service to his constituents since May, and wish him well for the future.”
The resignation means a by-election will be held in Buckie, with a date to be confirmed.
A council spokesperson said the by-election would cost around £20,000.
Local Buckie SNP Councillor Sonya Warren said: “Whilst I am disappointed Chris is stepping down, as I got on well with him, it is now vital that we get a good councillor elected for the Buckie area that can work with others and campaign on the issues that matter for the town.
“With the triggering of this by-election in Buckie ward, the SNP will be out campaigning to win a second council seat in Buckie.
"We have demonstrated our ability to take on leadership in the Council in difficult circumstances and now, in opposition, we are working hard to hold the Conservative Administration to account.
“Whether it is harbour issues, anti-social behaviour, improvements to our town centres and schools and much more besides, there is always a great deal to do and the SNP will ensure those issues are pushed to the fore as we have always done in Buckie.”
Fellow Buckie representative Councillor Neil McLennan said: "It is sad to see Chris Price leave the Councillor post.
"He is a bright, honourable and decent fellow.
"We need more like him in politics.
"As he leaves, I hope consideration is being given to the effectiveness of councillors pre-information and induction and to how to create an inclusive culture which ensures a wide range of people and talents from various backgrounds are able to represent local communities."
Moray’s Labour group have taken aim at the Lib Dems over the news of Mr Price's departure.
Moray Labour secretary Dr Stuart MacLennan said: “It’s legitimate to contest elections to give voters a choice, but to put up candidates unwilling to do the job from the outset is an insult to the electorate.
“The Liberal Democrats should never have talked Mr Price into standing in the first place – and now taxpayers have to fork out because of their irresponsible selection processes. The Lib Dems should pay for this, not taxpayers.”
Labour group leader Councillor John Divers said: Labour Group Leader Councillor John Divers said: “Over the years I’ve seen many hard-working local councillors resign for entirely understandable reasons: whether it’s family, work, or health.
"This is the second council in a row, however, in which a councillor has resigned shortly after being elected because they didn’t realise what the job entails.
“In the medium term, it’s clear the Council, and certain local political parties, in particular, need to do more to ensure that prospective candidates are aware of the requirements of the role.
"In the short term, if any other newly-elected councillors are having cold feet about the job I would urge them to go now, as well, so as to save the Council the cost of yet-more by-elections down the line.”
Neil Alexander, convener of the Moray Liberal Democrats, said: "I would like to thank the former Cllr Price for his time in Moray Council, and having a clear passion to represent and help the people of Buckie.
"Unfortunately, becoming a Councillor is a big transition personally and professionally and in some cases it’s too big a step to take.
"In that, Cllr Price has done the right thing to allow for the people of Buckie to elect a new representative who will work hard for them.
"Liberal Democrats put community and local power at the heart of everything we do, so we respect the decision to do the honorable thing, whilst only this week we have a Moray Councillor who stood on a Conservative party ticket, and has already left that party.
"That is not fair and honest to the electorate, and they should consider their position.
"Labour's accusations against our selection process are completely unfounded, this is a personal and professional matter, not party political.
"By-Elections are much more frequent in local politics due to the structure councillors exist within, that goes well above party politics.
"Maybe Labour should reflect more on their own stances in supporting council and public service workers first before attacking others."
Moray SNP Group Co-Leader Councillor Graham Leadbitter said: “It is obviously a concern that a councillor has felt it necessary to resign after just over 3 months in the role, triggering a by-election, and it will no doubt raise questions for people in Buckie.
“Looking ahead to a by-election the SNP have a record of strong representation from hard-working councillors in the Buckie Ward.
"We will be setting out the strong case for an SNP councillor to be elected and help to hold the current unstable Tory Administration to account.
“We are now making our preparations for candidate selection and a by-election campaign and will announce a candidate in due course.”
Mr Price could not be reached for comment.
