Moray Council’s minority SNP administration has been dealt a blow with the resignation of a senior councillor.
Heldon and Laich representative Amy Taylor, who was chairwoman of the council’s licensing committee and local review body, has confirmed she will continue to stand as an independent.
Yesterday she explained she had taken the decision for “personal reasons”.
The move means the now eight-strong SNP administration is no longer the largest group on the council due to the Conservatives having nine seats out of the 26.
Mrs Taylor said: “It is with regret that I have come to the difficult decision to resign from the administration group.
“I have made this decision for personal reasons and under SNP council group rules this unfortunately also means I am no longer able to be a member of the SNP.
“However, I will continue to work closely with my former SNP colleagues and represent my constituents in Heldon and Laich as an independent councillor.”
Council leader Graham Leadbitter, who is co-leader of the SNP group, said: “I know that this has been a very difficult decision for Amy and we are sorry to see her leave the Administration. We do, however, respect her reasons for doing so.
“We will continue to work with Amy on individual issues, as we do with other councillors.
“We remain committed to providing the leadership needed to tackle the challenges facing the council in areas such as attainment and the budget challenges that will be a significant part of working our way through the ongoing Covid-19 public health crisis.”