A Moray councillor has resigned just days after being elected to the local authority.
Sandy Cooper was one of three councillors elected to represent the Elgin City North ward but will now stand down with immediate effect.
During the local election campaign Mr Cooper promised to hand five schools in his council ward of Elgin City North £1,000 from his salary if elected to office.
He tendered his resignation without explanation in a letter to the council’s chief executive, Roddy Burns, earlier today.
In his letter, Mr Cooper said: “After careful consideration, I wish to tender my resignation as councillor for Elgin City North ward. I apologise most sincerely for the great inconvenience and cost which this will involve.
“I am most grateful for the help, advice and assistance given by so many members of your staff during my training.
“I wish Moray Council every success in the future.”
Mr Cooper, whose nomination papers contained no party or political affiliation, was elected at stage four of the contest for Elgin City North.
Last week’s elections were held under the single transferable vote (STV) system.
The council’s 26 elected members have been undergoing induction and training this week ahead of the first meeting of the new council next Wednesday.
Mr Cooper’s resignation will trigger a by-election at a date still to be decided.
