A Kirkcudbrightshire SNP councillor has quit the party and announced he will stand as an independent in the council elections on May 5.
Dee and Glenkens member Dougie Campbell had intended to quit politics after five years in the job.
But after being “overwhelmed” by messages of support he decided to seek re-election on a non-party ticket.
Mr Campbell, who is the council’s environment champion, said the prospect of not being constrained by “wider political priorities” had prompted the change of heart.
He told the News: “After much consideration, I have decided to stand for re-election in the May election for Dumfries and Galloway Council as an independent candidate and am announcing that I have resigned my membership of the SNP.
“Since my election in May 2017, I have sought to work collaboratively to serve people across Dee and Glenkens ward, irrespective of political views.
“Over the last five years I have achieved some significant successes for the ward, including securing the £6.2m Blackcraig Windfarm community benefit fund for the Glenkens and protecting the Kirkcudbright scallop fleet from unfair restrictions and resultant job losses.
“I have campaigned against the SPEN overhead pylons from Kendoon to Tongland and served as the region’s first environment champion - writing and spearheading the council’s 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration and 12-point plan.
“And during Covid, I have supported individuals, community groups and businesses and throughout my term, my priority has always been to protect the most vulnerable people in our area.”
He added: “The challenges we will all face over the next five years, due to the cost of living crisis, the pandemic and the climate emergency has brought it home to me that there’s still more I can do to support my constituents during this period.
“And rather than being limited by wider political priorities, as an independent voice for Dee and Glenkens, I believe I can focus exclusively on the needs of the people living and working here.
“I want to make it clear that I continue to support the independence campaign and the wider Yes movement.
“I’ve been overwhelmed in recent weeks by the messages of support and encouragement from people across the ward to stand as an independent candidate and it’s largely this support that’s caused me to reconsider.”
