The departing leader of Moray Council has urged residents to vote for the election hopefuls “prepared to make difficult decisions” when they take to the polls today.
Stewart Cree is poised to leave his leadership role, as a raft of new councillors are elected to decide the fate of the region’s services.
Those voted in will be tasked with steering the council through rocky financial waters.
Unless major cuts are made, the authority could “go bankrupt” within a year.
Mr Cree, who was voted in to represent Keith and Cullen as an Independent a decade ago, is one of 11 elected members stepping down.
Yesterday, he offered his thoughts on what voters might – and should – take into account when casting their ballots.
He said: “People will have to look to elect candidates they believe will address the council’s financial problems.
“Those elected will face an enormous struggle, and no one group or party will have sufficient weight to carry the council on its own.
“So voters will need to think about whether candidates have that ability to work together, I’d advise against voting for somebody that might simply sit in their corner apportioning blame.
“I will be voting for a candidate I believe will take care of business locally, but is also prepared to make more difficult decisions on a wider level.”
He added: “I don’t envy them the task of deciding on the future of our council services.”
In 2012, Moray had an average voter turnout of 37.77% across the area’s eight wards.
Yesterday, Mr Cree rallied locals to make sure their voices are heard by attending at their polling stations.
The retired police officer added: “I just hope that folk in Moray turn out, they have a responsibility in all this as well.
“They can’t complain about the decisions taken by councillors if they haven’t taken part, they have to show that they care.”
The count will take place at Elgin Town Hall tomorrow, with the final results expected by early afternoon.
