The winner of a critical Moray Council by-election will be announced today – and could spark a leadership coup.
Veteran councillor Eric McGillivray stepped down at the end of July, leaving the ruling Independent-led administration and the SNP group with 11 seats apiece on the council.
Depending on the results of the by-election, many believe the SNP will move to assume control of the authority.
Yesterday, residents in the Heldon and Laich ward – which covers Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead, Alves, Duffus, Miltonduff and Pluscarden – voted for their favourite of the four candidates.
This morning, Green party candidate James Mackessack-Leitch, independent Dennis Slater, Scottish Conservative Peter Bloomfield and SNP Joyce O’Hara will find out who has won.
Last night Mr McGillivray said it was “unfortunate” that personal circumstances forced him to withdraw from the council chambers, but said he looked forward to the ward having full representation once more.
The community stalwart said: “I’m glad that the seat will be filled again, and from what I have seen of the campaign efforts I’m sure it will be in safe hands.
“This seems to have been a particularly hard-fought campaign, especially between independent Mr Slater and the SNP – who I would say are the two front-runners.”
Mr McGillivray’s resignation sent shock-waves through Moray Council, and placed its leadership on a knife-edge.
The Nationalists have remained silent on their plans should they win, but many believe the group will attempt to shake-up the leadership of the council if they win.