The countdown has begun to the Angus Council by-election for the Arbroath East and Lunan seat on Angus Council vacated by outgoing councillor Bob Spink.
Polling takes place on Monday November 28, with the winner to be declared at a count the following morning at Angus House in Forfar.
The Courier offered each of the six candidates for the post an opportunity to make their case for election, in their own words.
Brenda Durno (Scottish National Party)
“I have lived in Arbroath and surrounding villages all my life and I know the area very well. I currently have a successful local business.
“I am aware of the duties and responsibility of a ward councillor as my late father Alex Shand was a councillor for many years in Arbroath.
“I am a director of the Arbroath Furniture Recycling Project and I am keen to work with other social enterprises, and voluntary projects to further enhance the community, thus increasing job experience for all ages.”
Richard Moore (Scottish Liberal Democrat)
“I’m a Yorkshireman who visited and fell in love with Scotland at the age of 12 and finally moved to Angus in 2011.
“I served on City of York Council for eight years, and was responsible for the council’s accounts. I was also involved in planning and licensing. In Angus, I attend my local church and am now the Church Fabric Convenor.
“I want to make the council accountable, and I expect the same standards to be applied across Angus. Residents must receive equal treatment, whether they’re urban or rural dwellers.”
John Ruddy (Scottish Labour)
“As your councillor, I will prioritise tackling the big challenges that affect our communities ― improving and expanding our housing stock so that everyone has a decent home to live in, ending the educational attainment gap between the richest pupils and the rest, and work to end the cuts to our public services such as the threat to wardens in sheltered housing.
“I will stand up for you and not be afraid to think of new ways to deliver on your behalf in spite of the poor financial settlement from the SNP Government.
“We need a council that’s about doing things with people, not to people.”
Kevin Smith (Independent)
“I’m a former Royal Marine Commando, deep sea diver used to pressure, high street retailer, businessman, council clerical officer and event organiser.
“I have an HNC in accounting and degree in management, and have travelled the world gaining valuable experience of life.
“Recently I relaunched the Community Council and became chairperson, in the hope of giving power back to the people.
“I believe important local issues should be dealt with at local ‘street’ level, and not by big political parties controlled and dictated to from Holyrood.”
Lois Speed (Independent):
“I’m a passionate believer in social inclusion, equality and fairness. I will listen and reach out to those who are isolated.
“I will fight to ensure that health and social care, housing and educational needs are prioritised.
“I will be proactive in ensuring new developments are sustainable and meet ongoing needs.
“I want to encourage community support for businesses so that Arbroath East and Lunan is not only a great place to live and work, but becomes an accessible travel and tourist destination.
“Most importantly, I will make sure your voices are heard before decisions are made.”
Derek Wann (Scottish Conservatives)
“I have been involved in politics locally for over five years now, campaigning first to save our local court and successfully campaigning against legal highs and the shops in Arbroath.
“I then led the team for Better Together in Angus and stood as a candidate in the Westminster GE in 2015.
“It is about time that the people of Arbroath had a councillor who will stand up for them and be accessible to everyone.
“We have seen the council recently close vital local services and charge for green bin collections, whilst showing an underspend of £15 million.”
Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm on Monday, November 28.
Polling stations will be Colliston Hall, Friockheim PS, Warddykes PS, Arbroath Academy, Annie Gilruth Hall in Auchmithie, Inverkeilor Village Hall, the Community centre in Marketgate, and Hayshead PS.
