A LOCAL by-election is to be held for the Moray Council Ward 3 – Buckie – following the death of independent councillor, Joe Mackay.
Polling will take place on Thursday March 26, with the count and declaration the following day, Friday 27th in Fishermen’s Hall, Buckie.
Returning Officer for Moray, Mark Palmer, said that discussions with Cllr Mackay’s family had taken place prior to the announcement being made.
“We were all saddened by Cllr Mackay’s sudden death, he was well-liked and respected by staff at the council,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and we are very aware that they have not yet been able to finalise arrangements for the funeral service. Unfortunately, strict timescales governed by law must be observed in regard to elections, and we have to start the election process now to comply.
“I would like to thank all of Cllr Mackay’s family for their understanding of the situation; they know they have the condolences of all at Moray Council.”
Polling Places open will be the Function Hall at Buckpool Golf Club, Buckie Methodist Church Hall, North Church Hall, Royal British Legion Hall, Portessie Methodist Church Hall and Town Hall, Findochty.
The election will be conducted by the Single Transferable Vote (STV) proportional representation system, in which voters are asked to mark candidates by preference using numbers. Voters will be able vote for as many or as few candidates as they wish.
There are currently around 8,000 electorate in this ward, with approximately 1,500 previously opting to vote by post.
A formal election timetable will be available in due course with the candidate nominations opening in early February.
ends
Notes to editors:
We understand that Cllr Mackay’s funeral is delayed due to a requirement for a post mortem to be carried out.
When a vacancy occurs in local government, as required in law, the returning officer has three months from the vacancy occurring to hold an election to fill the vacancy. The election process, set in law, from notice of election to polling day, takes 35 working days or approx seven weeks.
This ward previously saw a by-election last year following the resignation of Anne McKay, and the election of Councillor Gordon Cowie. Results of this by-election can be found:
http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_91312.html
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Moray Council. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Check out twitter.com/nonstopstories for your very own media releases feed…
To catch up on all the media releases recently posted on to allmediascotland.com, you need only click the link icon that you see towards the bottom right of our two media release ‘gateway boxes’.
It’s this icon, here. It’s your route straight into the rich archive.
—
Moray Council’s contact details…
Contact: peter jones
Phone: 07974191318
Email: peter.jones@moray.gov.uk
Website: http://www.moray.gov.uk
