The Liberal Democrat group on Aberdeenshire Council has been strengthened today as Cllr Fergus Hood, who represents the East Garioch ward, joined it from the SNP.
He is shown here being welcomed by his new colleagues ward colleague Cllr Nan Cullinane on the right and Group Leader Cllr Martin Kitts-Hayes (with the beard) and Chair of the Social Work and Housing Committee Cllr Karen Clark on the left.
Martin Kitts-Hayes said:
I am delighted to welcome Cllr Hood to the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Having worked closely with Fergus on the council I know that he is a strong local champion who stands up for people in his ward.
Scottish Liberal Democrats are working hard to build a stronger economy and a fairer society in Aberdeenshire. I know that these are aspirations that Fergus shares. He will make a big difference as part of the Liberal Democrat group.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie added:
As part of the administration we are working hard to create jobs and boost key local services. I know that Cllr Hood will make a big contribution to our work in the months and years to come.
And we’ll leave the last word to Cllr Hood himself:
It is the Scottish Liberal Democrats who have the right policies for Aberdeenshire and are delivering in administration on the council.
Liberal Democrats on the council have been a huge support in helping deliver real progress in my ward.
This was not an easy decision to take but ultimately this is the right choice for me and the right choice for people in my ward.
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4 Comments
Interesting news that Councillor Hood has joined the Lib Dems on Aberdeenshire Council. One wonders what would persuade someone to do what amounts to suicide.
I note Councillor Hood was the leading councillor in the East Garioch was in the 2012 elections. But the Lib Dems only got 15% of the vote!
Former Councillor Rhona Kemp did a similar thing to Councillor Hood by moving from the SNP to the Lib Dems. Alas she paid a very heavy price – being roundly rejected by the voters of Ellon.
It will be interesting to see what the 2017 election brings, but I very much doubt there will be 2 Lib Dem councillors in East Garioch.
@John Smith
I take it you don’t agree with his decision?
@ATF Surely John’s comment was all a precursor to therefore praising Councillor Hood for making such a brave decision and saying how impressed John is with someone taking a principled stand despite the risks 🙂
Mark,
Indeed! I fear John accidentally pressed Post Comment before having the chance outline his thoughts on how it is quite impressive that someone has chosen switch parties when, electorally, it may not be in their best interest.