Council / By-election on the horizon as Morton stands down as councillor
THERE is set to be a by-election in the Shetland North ward after councillor Tom Morton confirmed he will stand down from his role.
Morton, a Scottish Labour councillor, said in a post on his Beatcroft blog that he is “unable to commit the necessary time and energy due to other professional and personal commitments”.
He said the decision was made after he carried out an “audit” on his activities.
Morton said he will speak more about his time as a councillor after he formally steps down on 31 October.
The outgoing councillor added: “For the moment I’d like to thank the local Labour Party members who have supported my candidacy, and the council officials who have responded so effectively to my requests for information and help.
“I’d would also extend my appreciation to fellow councillors and the many local folk who have voiced support, privately and publicly. I wish my successor all the best.”
Morton, who has a background in journalism and broadcasting, was elected in Shetland North in the last council elections in 2022.
However, voters did not go to the ballot box in the ward because only three candidates had put themselves forward for the three seats.
During the election campaign Morton said he would work “for the good of Shetland and specifically the community here in the north”.
Among his election issues were the cost of living, a new Brae High School and securing and expanding the employment available in Shetland’s major industries.
The other councillors in Shetland North are Andrea Manson and Emma Macdonald.
Morton is only one of three Shetland councillors representing a party. The others are the SNP’s Robbie McGregor and Alex Armitage of the Greens.
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