A Moray councillor is standing for re-election under the promise that he will fight to close down schools to save resources.
Forres member, George Alexander, yesterday revealed his intentions to contest the ward once again this May.
The independent candidate has been commended by his colleagues in the ruling administration group for his “refreshingly honest” campaign pledge.
Mr Alexander has told voters that, if re-elected, he will encourage the authority to slash its smaller schools.
The former teacher, who was elected in 2012, said worsening financial pressures since then have convinced him of the need for drastic action.
He said: “Such changes can only take place if we elect 26 councillors who fully understand the seriousness of our financial position, and who have the courage to vote them through.
“We are in a position where really big decisions must be made, and education absorbs 44% of our revenue budget.
“If we continue to ignore the fact that we have too many schools and that some of them are in the wrong place for a modern society, then this service will continue to fail many of our young people and continue to be a wasteful use of resources.
“I will be standing on a promise to do all I can to bring about a rationalisation of the school estate.”
Moray Council leader Stewart Cree agreed that tough decisions about the region’s education would have to be made following May’s election.
Mr Cree, who is also an independent councillor, said: “I think Mr Alexander should be applauded for being so refreshingly honest.
“I don’t think a councillor speaking so frankly to their constituents would be possible if they were part of any political group.”