Conservative group leader on Moray Council, Tim Eagle paid a visit to Westminster on Monday where he attended a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister.
While there, he joined forces with Moray MP Douglas Ross to promote the Moray Growth Deal and highlight the financial difficulties the local authority is facing.
Mr Eagle and Mr Ross also lobbied Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and David Mundell over issues such as support for fishing and agriculture.
The Conservative councillor said: “I was very keen to ensure I promote Moray as much as possible and take concerns from our communities such as fishing and farming to cabinet ministers.
“I specifically asked if a meeting could be arranged with Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to ensure that we highlighted the value of fishing and farming to our communities.
“As a councillor for the Buckie ward, fishing is a hot topic and I have been approached by local fisherman who are concerned we could see fishing rights lost again to Europe.
“I wanted to reassure Mr Gove that Moray and the north-east is very keen to see a re-balance of the industry to allow us to make the best out of our national waters.”
Mr Ross said: “I am delighted Tim travelled down to London. It is important all Moray’s elected representatives work together to promote the Moray Growth Deal and ensure the concerns of people in Moray are heard at the highest levels in the UK Government.”