VOTERS WILL DECIDE who is to take the place of former Heldon & Laich councillor Eric McGillivray in a by-election on Thursday, October 1.
Mr McGillivray, an independent councillor, resigned from his post with immediate effect on Friday, sparking the need for a by-election that could have far reaching consequences for governance in the entire region.
His resignation leaves the ruling Independent and Tory administration with 11 seats on the local authority – the same as the SNP opposition group. Two seats are held by Labour members while one is held by a non-aligned Tory.
Polling stations will be set up at the Burghead Free Church Hall, Hopeman Memorial Hall, Lossiemouth Community Centre, Lossiemouth Town Hall, Duffus Village Hall, Alves Primary School and Miltonduff Public Hall.
One of the largest single wards in Moray, there are around 11,125 people entitled to vote in the by-election – 1969 are already registered to vote by post.
While Moray Council are yet to announce a formal election timetable they have confirmed that candidate nominations will be accepted from August 13. The election count will be held in Lossiemouth Town Hall on Friday, October 2.