Regardless of the results of the forthcoming election, Moray Council will be shaken up after the votes have been counted.
Nearly half of the previous authority members have opted not to put their name forward again – with just 14 of the previous 26’s names on the ballot papers.
Independents make up the bulk of the 45-candidate field with 16 nominees not affiliating themselves to any group.
The SNP, who were the largest party at the last vote in 2012, are fielding 13 candidates, the highest of any in the field.
There was previously an independent and Conservative coalition in the chambers and the Tories are fielding one candidate in each of the eight wards this time around.
Ron Shepherd is a surprise name on the list after previously saying he was stepping down. Elsewhere, Theresa Coull, mum of departing SNP leader Gary Coull, stands for the same party as her son and Labour’s John Divers will attempt to make it to a fourth decade in office after being elected in 1999.
Speyside Glenlivet
Angus Anderson, SNP; Louise Laing, SNP; Derek Ross, Ind; Walter Wilson, Con.
Keith and Cullen
Rob Barsby, Ind; Theresa Coull, SNP; Donald Gatt, Con; Iain Grieve, SNP; Ron Shepherd, Ind.
Buckie
Gordon Cowie, Ind; Tim Eagle, Con; Gordon McDonald, SNP; Sonya Warren, SNP.
Fochabers Lhanbryde
David Bremner, SNP; Donald Cameron, LD; Kenneth Gillespie, Ind; Peter Horton, LD; Marc Macrae, Con; Shona Morrison, SNP; Sean Morton, Ind; Ian Taylor, Ind.
Heldon and Laich
James Allan, Con; John Cowe, Ind; Ryan Edwards, Ind; James MacKessack-Leitch, Green; John Mitchell, LD; Amy Patience, SNP; Dennis Slater, Ind.
Elgin City North
Billy Adams, Ind; Frank Brown, Con; Sandy Cooper, Ind; Paula Coy, SNP; Patsy Gowans, SNP; Nick Taylor, Lab.
Elgin City South
John Divers, Lab; Graham Leadbitter, SNP; Sean Malone, Ind; Ray McLean, Con.
Forres
George Alexander, Ind; Lorna Cresswell, Ind; Claire Feaver, Con; Jeff Hamilton, Ind; Aaron McLean, SNP; Terry Monaghan, Ind; Fabio Villani, Green.
