Newly elected councillor resigns

A Moray councillor elected at last week’s elections has resigned his seat with immediate effect.

Sandy Cooper was one of three councillors elected to represent the Elgin City North ward.

He tendered his resignation in a letter to the council’s chief executive, Roddy Burns, earlier today.

In his letter, Mr Cooper said: “After careful consideration, I wish to tender my resignation as councillor for Elgin City North ward. I apologise most sincerely for the great inconvenience and cost which this will involve.

“I am most grateful for the help, advice and assistance given by so many members of your staff during my training.

“I wish Moray Council every success in the future.”

Mr Cooper, whose nomination papers contained no party or political affiliation, was elected at stage four of the contest for Elgin City North.

Last week’s elections were held under the single transferable vote (STV) system.

The council’s 26 elected members have been undergoing induction and training this week ahead of the first meeting of the new council next Wednesday.

Mr Cooper’s resignation will trigger a by-election at a date still to be decided.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.