Individuals and political groups contesting the forthcoming local council elections in Moray have been invited to state their case through the pages of our community news site – contact editor@insidemoray.news. Today we hear from Sean Morton who is paying tribute to his former political opponents.
AN OUTGOING MORAY councillor has paid tribute to his political opponents as they leave their posts for good – and pledged to continue serving the people of Fochabers/Lhanbryde.
Now that the final meeting of the Moray Council has taken place Councillor Sean Morton paid tribute to his fellow ward members Margo Howe (SNP) and Douglas Ross (Conservative)
The councillor, who is the only sitting member from the ward running for re-election, said: “In 2012 I took to the Town Hall stage in shock with Margo Howe and Douglas Ross as Councillors for Fochabers Lhanbryde. This was not the result people anticipated.
“Three very different people from different backgrounds with very different politics – all with complete dedication. The people of Fochabers Lhanbryde ward knew what they were doing electing a band of bonnie fechters.
“I have worked with both Margo and Douglas, opposed them and indeed fought with them over these last few years. Douglas and I led Better Together Moray and Margo and I found common ground in the chamber many, many times.
“When our area needed us we put people before party – just as it always should be. I’m proud of what we achieved working together with the community.
“We succeeded in securing the initial funding for the Fochabers Institute transfer. We succeeded in saving Milne’s High. We succeeded in so many areas but sadly failed in others. There is much work to do – not least on securing new investment in our schools protecting our communities from flooding and coastal erosion, and preserving our local heritage.
“But at almost every point in the last five years three very strong, very different people came together to fight for what is best for Fochabers Lhanbryde.
“Whether I am re-elected in May or not, Margo is retiring from the chamber and Douglas has left the Council chamber for the Scottish Parliament chamber, so Fochabers Lhanbryde will have a new team. Whatever happens I am proud to have been part of this one for these last five years.
“Friends often, foes too, fechters always, I wish Margo and Douglas all the very best.”
Also contesting the Fochabers Lhanbryde ward on May 4 is: David Bremner (SNP), Donald Cameron (Scottish Lib Dem), Kenneth Gillespie (Independent), Peter Horton (Scottish Lib Dem), Marc Macrae (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Shona Morrison (SNP) and Ian Taylor (Independent).