An Aberdeen community council chairman has announced his candidacy for May’s local authority election.
Dustin Macdonald, 31, first established the city centre community council in 2013, and has led it ever since.
The father of three is standing as an independent candidate in the Midstocket and Rosemount ward.
Mr McDonald, who works as a customer assistant coach, said he believes not being tied to a party will allow him to best represent his constituents.
He said: “What we’ve seen over the past five years is councillors on both sides bringing a lot of party politics to the chamber, which is disruptive and makes decision making difficult.
“If the public say one thing, councillors do the opposite, and the reason I’m running independently is because I don’t want to be beholden to anyone but the people who elected me.
“The Midstocket and Rosemount area has many areas that need strong support, including our many local businesses, our three primary schools and our secondary school, and our infrastructure.
“During my time leading the community council, we’ve been involved in a number of important initiatives like working on projects with Aberdeen Inspired, the Friends of Union Terrace Gardens and Celebrate Aberdeen – not to mention our Skene Street project.
“If elected, I will ensure the best interests of local communities across the city are at the heart of all decision-making in the Town House.”
The ward is currently represented by councillors Alex Nicoll and Bill Cormie of the SNP, and Jenny Laing – the leader of Aberdeen City Council.
