Two more SNP councillors in Dundee this week announced their plans to stand down at May’s local elections.
Councillor Jim Barrie (67) was first elected to represent the Logie ward on the council in August 2000, and has represented the West End since 2007. He was also an unsuccessful SNP candidate for Dundee West in the 2010 General Election.
”Over the years there have been many successes, but in particular I would like to say one of the highlights for me was the opening of Riverside Nature Reserve, something I had strived for over the years,” he said.
”Also, as a former pupil of Harris Academy, the long overdue commitment to rebuild the school on the Perth Road site has been accomplished.
”Harris will be the most modern and state-of-the-art school in the city, along with the nearly finished West End Primary and Nursery School in Blackness Road to replace the outdated Park Place and St Joseph’s.
”Although I am sad to be leaving, I will continue to be active in my local community.”
Liz Fordyce, who represents Maryfield, joined the SNP in 1965 and was first elected in 1999, said she wanted to stand down from her role on a ”positive note.”
”I would like to thank the constituents of Baxter Park and Maryfield wards for allowing me the privilege of serving them, all the council officers and in particular those in the education department, all the teachers for the sterling work they do and Schools Music Theatre for brilliant entertainment over the years,” she said.
”As education convener, I have met thousands of very nice pupils and hundreds of inspiring dedicated teachers and support staff. I have enjoyed the work and I am confident that I am leaving behind a school estate that is one of the best in Scotland.”
Prior to her election, Liz had been ”a weaver, a bookie and a college lecturer.”
Fellow SNP councillor, 70-year-old Dundee North East representative Andy Dawson, has already announced he is to retire next spring.