Perth and Kinross voters are facing another election following the resignation of a Conservative councillor.
Crawford Reid told Perth and Kinross Council chief executive Thomas Glen he was quitting on Wednesday.
The council’s Tory group say the resignation is to take immediate effect.
Dr Reid was one of two Conservatives representing the three-member Strathallan ward.
It covers areas such as Auchterarder, Aberuthven, Dunning, Blackford, Braco and Muthill.
Dr Reid was first elected as a councillor in 2017, after he retired from the NHS, and then again in 2022.
He was asked to return part-time to the position of consultant anaesthetist at NHS Forth Valley at the end of 2023, and says the workload there means he cannot continue in both roles.
In his resignation letter, he writes: “Due to the pressures associated with this, it is apparent that I am unable to fulfill my commitments as Councillor within Perth and Kinross Council to my satisfaction.
“For this reason, I tender my resignation as a Councillor to take immediate effect as of
today, Wednesday July 10.”
Speaking to The Courier on Thursday, Dr Crawford said it had been a privilege to serve the people of Strathallan, but they deserve someone who can devote the time required to the job.
“It would be unfair on my fellow councillors if I carried on, and unfair on local constituents who really need somebody who can fight their corner and give 100% on their behalf,” he said.
He also saluted his colleagues on Perth and Kinross Council, saying councillors from all parties worked tirelessly on behalf of the public.
Crawford Reid praised for efforts in ward
Dr Reid campaigned on a number of issues locally, including opposition to plans for a new junction off the A9 at Shinafoot, near Auchterarder.
Councillor John Duff, leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Group on Perth and Kinross Council, said Dr Reid had worked hard for the people of the Strathallan ward and he wished him well in the NHS.
“Like a number of his elected colleagues who also have other jobs, Crawford made every effort to continue in both roles,” he said.
“However, he feels that his return to the NHS as a Consultant Anaesthetist in Forth Valley prevents him from being able to allocate sufficient time to his duties as an elected member.
“I have accepted that request reluctantly and, consequently, he has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.”
During his time in office, Dr Reid served on council committees responsible for education, planning, licensing, health and social care and housing.
He was asked to return to NHS Forth Valley due to staffing shortages.
The Strathallan ward is also represented by Conservative councillor Keith Allan and the SNP’s Steven Carr.
The Conservatives took 14 of the 40 seats at the last Perth and Kinross election, as the SNP overtook them to become the largest group.
Mr Glen will now set a date for a by-election in the Strathallan Ward.
Conversation