Aberdeenshire Council’s Labour group is battling to increase the number of female representatives on the local authority ahead of May’s election.
There are currently two Labour councillors in Aberdeenshire’s Partnership administration, including council co-leader Alison Evison.
The group is bidding to increase the number of councillors across the region while also improving the gender balance in the chamber at Woodhill House.
North Kincardine councillor Mrs Evison said: “These elections are all about listening to communities and delivering appropriate and effect public services to them. Our candidates are all focused on working with local residents to achieve the best for them.
“We are also pleased to that 43% of our candidates are women. Last week there were reports that women continue to be under-represented in local government.”
Ms Evison and her fellow Labour councillor Raymond Christie, who represents Stonehaven, are standing for re-election.
The other candidates are Ray Stephen, Bryan Begg, Kenneth Watt, Kirsten Muat, Ann Thorpe, Sarah Flavell, Lindsey Kirkhill, Iain Gillies, Peter Young, Claire Millar, John Morgan and Patrick Coffield.
Their manifesto includes pledges to improve pay and conditions for carers in the region, providing every academy a school counsellor to look after pupil mental health, and launch a fresh drive to tackle duel poverty.
The manifesto was drawn up after consultation with local community groups and business representatives as well as local union and party members.
Mrs Evison added: “We are working together and sharing our knowledge to better serve our local communities. Among our candidates are people who have worked in oil and gas; in schools, college and university; in the retail trade and local business.
“We have candidates with children at local schools and nurseries and therefore who have direct experience of education in Aberdeenshire.”
The local government elections will be held on May 4.
