By-election called to fill Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas Nan Loch councillor role

A by-election will be held next month to elect a new councillor for the Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas Nan Loch Ward.
Voters will have the opportunity to elect a replacement for Finlay Cunningham on Thursday, October 8.Voters will have the opportunity to elect a replacement for Finlay Cunningham on Thursday, October 8.
Voters will have the opportunity to elect a replacement for Finlay Cunningham on Thursday, October 8.

The vacancy was created when Finlay Cunningham stepped down from the role in July.

The by-election will be held on Thursday, October 8.

A former teacher, Mr Cunningham was elected to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2017.

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At the time of his resignation from his role as a councillor, Mr Cunningham said: said: “It has been a great privilege and a wonderful experience to serve the local community as an elected member of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar over these three years.

“It has also been a pleasure to work with my colleagues and I wish them all every success in their continuing role at the Comhairle.”

Comhairle Convener, Norman A. Macdonald, paid tribute to his the work of his colleague over the last three years.

He said: “Finlay enjoyed a long career as a teacher before being elected as a councillor in 2017.

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“He has been a good colleague for many years and we will miss his contribution to the work of the Comhairle.

“He will also be missed as a local representative by his constituents, for whom he worked diligently over the past three years, though I am sure he will continue to be a valued member of the community.

“I wish Finlay the very best for the future and I am sure I will see him during visits to Harris.”

Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas Nan Loch is a three member ward. The two remaining councillors are Paul A. Finnegan and John G. Mitchell who were elected at the last Local Government election in 2017.

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The Notice of Election was published on Friday (August 28) and Nomination Forms for prospective candidates are now available.

These can be lodged with the Comhairle up until the close of nominations at 4pm on Monday, September 7.

Electors may apply for a postal or proxy vote at this by-election. Applications for, or for amendments to, postal or proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer, 42 Point Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis by 5pm on Wednesday, September 23.