Colin Clark on stage with the other candidates at the Gordon seat return
Aberdeenshire Council is facing its third election in Inverurie in just eight months after new MP Colin Clark confirmed he will step down from his local role.
Mr Clark, who won a by-election in the Garioch town in November and was re-elected just four weeks ago, was branded the “£20,000 man” by opponent Alex Salmond.
The former First Minister condemned Mr Clark’s campaign saying a victory for the Conservatives would spark a by-election which would cost the taxpayers thousands.
But Mr Clark has confirmed he will step down from Woodhill House to focus on his duties for the whole of the Gordon area.
A former pupil of Turriff Academy, Mr Clark lives with his wife and son in Oldmeldrum.
He said: “I want to focus on Westminster.”
The vote will have little impact on the current administration at Woodhill House, which has a six-member majority.
Aberdeenshire Council chief executive Jim Savege – the returning officer for the north-east constituencies – confirmed his team are ready and eager to run yet another ballot in the region.
“£20,000 man” Colin Clark confirms he will trigger by-election
