Calls have been made to delay an Aberdeen by-election to protect council officers, politicians and voters from the risk of coronavirus.
Former city councillor Stephen Flynn resigned earlier this month, as he was elected Aberdeen South MP in the December general election.
The council has already scheduled a by-election in Kincorth, Nigg and Cove for May 14 to fill his vacant seat.
But now, the former leader of the SNP group at the Town House has written to the Scottish Government urging “flexibility” to push back the date.
The council has three months to hold the poll, meaning the latest possible date would be June 3.
In a letter to Government Business Secretary Mike Russell, Mr Flynn said it seemed “unnecessary” to push forward while the virus continues to spread across the country.
He wrote: “Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic I believe that local authorities should be given the flexibility to extend the current time frame.
“Whilst we must be led by scientific experts in respect of our response to coronavirus it seems unnecessary to have council officers, political activists and the electorate preparing for a by-election at such a time.
“I hope action can be taken to provide local authorities with the flexibility they deem necessary.”
Conservative co-leader of the council Douglas Lumsden echoed his calls, adding: “I would not be against this.
“We have to consider the safety of our residents.”