The SNP’s deputy group leader in Aberdeen, Graham Dickson, has announced he will be standing down as a councillor at the next election.
Mr Dickson has been a prominent member of the authority’s largest opposition group since being elected to serve as a member for Torry and Ferryhill in 2012.
He is currently the deputy leader of the SNP group and finance spokesperson, and previously served as the party’s spokesperson for housing and infrastructure, group secretary, and as the group’s press manager since 2012.
Mr Dickson, who got married last year, will be leaving Aberdeen with his wife as they seek to emigrate overseas and look for career opportunities and challenges.
Prior to the move, they will spend a number of months travelling by train in Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and Asia.
Mr Dickson said: “It has been a great honour to represent the communities of Torry and Ferryhill and I know there will be some very good candidates coming forward who will represent these communities exceptionally.
“Whilst the chance to win re-election and serve the people of Aberdeen for a further four years is very tempting, I would like to seek other opportunities abroad and find new and exciting challenges elsewhere.
“I hope to hear of Aberdeen making progress over the years – including the city embracing a more sustainable and diverse economy making the city more robust against the movements in the price of oil.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn added: “Graham has been an extremely hard-working councillor who has been a real asset to the group and the people of Torry/Ferryhill.
“I will be sad to see him depart, but his reasons for leaving are entirely understandable and I wish both him and his wife all the very best for their future.”
