Newest Edinburgh Councillor resigns just one week since shock by-election win
Louise Spence took the Colinton and Fairmilehead seat for the Liberal democrats, unseating Labour
Edinburgh’s newest councillor has announced she is stepping down just one week since her shock by-election win.
Louise Spence took the Colinton and Fairmilehead seat for the Liberal democrats, unseating Labour.
She said she’s “truly sorry”, citing a “sudden change in personal circumstances”, meaning her focus “must be with her family”.
The rest of her statement goes on to say "“The Liberal Democrats rightly set high standards in terms of the service their local councillors provide.
"I myself argued that Colinton & Fairmilehead needed a local champion. While it would have been legally possible for me to continue as a councillor, I don’t believe it would be right to do so with my focus elsewhere.
“This is why I have made the difficult decision to resign my council seat. With another by-election already due in the ward in February because of the SNP councillor’s resignation, my decision means this new vacancy can be filled at the same time; at no extra cost to the taxpayer. This is clearly the right thing to do for Colinton & Fairmilehead.
“However, I know my decision will be deeply disappointing and frustrating for those who voted for me, for my council group colleagues and for all the Liberal Democrats who fought so hard to win the by-election. I am truly sorry at what has happened.”