Candidates in a Moray Council by-election have reflected on a hard-fought campaign on the eve of tomorrow’s crucial vote.
Four prospects are vying for a vacant seat in the Heldon and Laich ward, which covers Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead, Alves, Duffus, Miltonduff and Pluscarden.
Polling stations will open across the region tomorrow, and votes will be counted in Lossiemouth Town Hall the following morning.
Green candidate James MacKessack-Leitch, independent Dennis Slater, Scottish Conservative Peter Bloomfield and the SNP’s Joyce O’Hara have spent the last month canvassing for support.
Yesterday the candidates spoke of their experiences, and their aims should they take the seat.
Mr MacKessack-Leitch, who is convener of the Moray Greens, said: “A lot of people are looking for a something different in this by-election, and I believe I’m the only candidate offering a new way of thinking.
“I want to start a change in the way the council works.”
Mr Slater, who is chairman of Hopeman Community Association, said: “I have promised to be a true independent if elected – standing for the people of Heldon and Laich – and not attached to any party or the administration.
“The people seem to like that I would be a totally independent councillor.”
Retired RAF serviceman Mr Bloomfield said: “I’m keen to address a lot of local issues – like the loss of the Post Office in Lossiemouth.
“I have no concerns beyond simply representing the residents here, and the only reason I’m standing is because I care about them and the area.”
Former teacher Ms O’Hara vowed to place a particular focus on education if elected.
She said: “As a political newcomer, the campaign experience has been incredibly positive.
“I have listened to concerns about schooling and libraries, which really resonate with me as a former teacher.
“The feedback I have received is that the electorate would like to see someone with a passion for education and social welfare issues representing this community.”
The by-election follows the resignation last month of long-serving independent councillor Eric McGillivray.
The results of the by-election could prove pivotal in reforming the leadership of the local authority. Currently, both the ruling Independent-led administration and Moray’s SNP group have 11 seats on the authority, and many believe the
Nationalists will stage a coup should they outnumber the ruling party.