Elgin is set for a council by-election with the surprise news this morning that the deputy leader of the Moray Labour Party, Barry Jarvis, is to step down from the Council.
Councillor Jarvis, who has been a councillor for the Elgin City North ward for the past seven years, is to resign to make way for a new full-time career in teaching.
Announcing the decision this morning the Labour group leader and Elgin City South councillor John Divers said: “I would like to thank Barry for all of the hard work he has put in over seven years for the people of Elgin North and for his commitment to the Labour Party.
“His efforts were rewarded when he was reselected in 2012 as the only candidate in that race to win on the first round of voting.
“He has decided to embark on a new career as a teacher and I wish him all the very best with it.”
Councillor Jarvis will leave the Labour group at Moray Council with just two elected members – with another of their number, Fochabers/Lhanbryde’s Sean Morton, set to contest the Moray Parliamentary seat at the general election next year.
Councillor Morton said: “I have enjoyed working with Barry over the last few years and I am very grateful for all that he did to help get me elected for the first time in 2012.
“I’ll miss his wit and Labour will miss his commitment locally – but I’m sure he will make a great teacher.”
Confirming his resignation Councillor Jarvis said: “I have today formally put in writing to the Chief Executive Roddy Burns my decision to resign from my role as a Moray Councillor.
“I have done this to return full time to education to train as a secondary teacher in Modern Studies.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those at the Council both member and officer that I have worked along side over the past years for all the support and guidance they have given me. Most notably my group leader Councillor John Divers who has been a constant source of encouragement since day one.
“It has been an honour to represent the people of the City of Elgin North and the last 7 and a half years have been a real joy and enormously rewarding.”