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Keith and Cullen ward to be contested by five candidates in May's council election


By Ewan Malcolm

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FIVE candidates are set to battle it out for three seats in the Keith and Cullen ward of Moray Council in May's local government elections.

The results from 2017's local council election in Keith and Cullen.
The results from 2017's local council election in Keith and Cullen.

The future of the Turner Memorial Hospital in Keith and care services in the wider area are certain to be topics of concern for the two main population centres in the ward.

Voters will have three new candidates to choose from as well as current councillors Theresa Coull (SNP) and Donald Gatt (Conservatives) who are both standing for re-election.

That new candidates include Lelsie Tarr (Lib Dems), Tracy Colyer (Conservatives) and William Barclay (Scottish Family Party).

Theresa Coull (SNP)

Theresa Coull, SNP
Theresa Coull, SNP

"It has been a privilege the last five years to be councillor for Keith and Cullen.

"I have decided to stand for re-election to this ward because I feel proud that the SNP group have turned Moray Council around in the four years while in Administration and I would like to build on what we have started through our manifesto.

"Keith and Cullen has benefitted from two new nurseries, new housing developments, assisting communities and supported community asset transfers, enhanced overnight staycations and saved closure of facilities like the Longmore Hall.

"As a mother and grandmother I am passionate about the Moray area with its diversity along with the areas providing farming and fishing, having a beautiful coast to inland hills and scenery and I want it to thrive to be the best it can be so everyone can be proud of where they live."

Leslie Tarr (Lib Dems)

Leslie Tarr, Lib Dems
Leslie Tarr, Lib Dems

"I'm a Dundonian who has called Cullen home for 23 years.

"I've been a student politician and most recently a shop steward and Branch Secretary for a public sector trade union. Representing and helping people is something I feel passionate about, and want to represent the constituents of Keith and Cullen Ward.

"Liberal Democrats look to make a difference and bring about a fairer more equitable society. Post Brexit and the pandemic, we're committed to supporting the NHS, improving mental health provision and the recovery of local business.

"We're also committed to the green agenda to tackle the growing energy and fuel crisis.

"I will bring an inclusive approach to represent all the citizens in the ward and a passion for social justice. I promise to uphold the traditions of local democracy."

Donald Gatt (Conservatives)

Donald Gatt, Conservatives
Donald Gatt, Conservatives

"I was born in Perth and brought up in Coupar Angus attending school there and in Blairgowrie.

"Son of a local businessman, I learnt early in life that one had to work for a living, doing chores, summer jobs and the potato harvest.

"On leaving school I did small jobs but was mainly unemployed before joining the Royal Air Force in 1981 at 17, training as a RAF Regiment Gunner.

I served in the UK and overseas before remustering to the supply trade in 1987 following which I served throughout the UK, Falkland Islands, Cyprus, and Canada, leaving the RAF in 2005 and settling in Moray.

"Since then, I have held a number of jobs in both the private and public sectors.

"I was elected as councillor for Keith and Cullen on Moray Council in 2017 and if re-elected undertakes to serve all constituents with the same dedication and duty."

Tracy Colyer (Conservatives)

Tracey Colyer, Conservatives
Tracey Colyer, Conservatives

"I am originally from Kent, but now live in Grange with my husband and two dogs, where we love the countryside and the local communities throughout Keith & Cullen.

"I have a long history working in child care in London, a career spanning two decades, as well as having worked as an administrator in the clothing industry. I am also a passionate fundraiser, having raised over £55,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

"If elected, I will serve the Keith and Cullen ward with passion and enthusiasm and I will work tirelessly to address your needs, concerns, and aspirations.

"My priorities include supporting the improvement in healthcare and a new hospital and health centre in Keith; Work with the police and local groups in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour and campaign for an increased roads maintenance budget and improved transport links plus argue for reduced planning bureaucracy and to protect green spaces."

William Barclay (Scottish Family Party)

William Barclay, who is representing the Scottish Family Party, is the fifth and final candidate standing for election in Keith and Cullen. Attempts to contact Mr Barclay were unsuccessful.

The local government elections will take place on May 5 while the count in Moray will take place the following day in Elgin Town Hall.


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