widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / LibDem to stand as SIC independent

Theo Smith.

PROMINENT local Liberal Democrat Theo Smith has declared his intention to stand for election to Shetland Islands Council as an independent councillor.

Living in Wormadale, Whiteness, the 59 year old said that if elected to represent the Shetland West ward he will resign as a partner in Lerwick-based PJP Architects to devote himself to his new role.

One of the few candidates so far to lay out his political stall, Mr Smith made it clear that he is not happy with current council policy and wants to see a change in direction from the deep spending cuts being implemented by outgoing councillors.

“I am very concerned about the size of the proposed cuts and the speed with which they are to be implemented,” he said.

“We are in danger of wrecking our economy and driving people from Shetland. I believe it would be better to draw prudently from our reserves in the short term in order to stabilise our economy now.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“What use is a huge reserve that leaves Shetland with a weak, fragile economy and a falling population?

“Whether we like to admit it or not, Shetland has come to rely on a council-run economy and that council now has a responsibility not to pull the rug from under it but try to support it over these testing times.”

He also does not like the new style cabinet structure of the council, calling for decisions to be made inside the council chamber and not by “the all powerful executive committee”.

He is calling for the politicians to “take control and provide strong, sensible leadership and show prudent fiscal responsibility”.

However he also bemoaned communities living in “a constant state of fear that the schools service is coming to close their school, necessitating their five year olds to be transported miles over single track roads that the council propose to grit less in winter!”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Other issues he is keen to get his teeth into are the proposed “semi quango” charitable trust, the stalled capital programme, the council buying in construction services from south, Viking Energy, tugs, Sullom Voe, school closures and “the embarrassing Haggersta to Cova road debacle”.

“If elected, I look forward to embracing the challenge, and working with any like-minded councillors to bring back stability and self respect to Shetland,” he said.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.