Councillors yesterday praised a “modest” and “gentle” member of their ranks who recently stood down due to poor health.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Tom Malone was elected as an independent in 2012 but will formally relinquish his role next week.
Speaking during yesterday’s meeting of full council, Provost Hamish Vernal said: “I would like to say that we will miss Councillor Malone’s modest, quiet perseverance in this chamber and we send our wishes to him.”
Central Buchan member Norman Smith, convener of the Aligned Independent group of which Mr Malone was a part, said:
“Anything that needed doing he got it done. It is sad he has had to step down due to ill health.”
Opposition leader Jim Gifford said Mr Malone had “stood up for what was right” and fought his corner.
And council co-leader Richard Thomson added: “I always found Tom to be a lovely guy and an absolute gentleman. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Tributes paid to “gentleman” north-east councillor
