Aberdeenshire Council candidate Robbie Withey pledges to continue to challenge in Ward 14
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THE Aberdeenshire Council candidate who was charged following an incident in Alford last month has said he's not giving up on his campaign for re-election.
Robbie Withey, who was first elected five years ago, is standing as an independent candidate after being removed from the Conservative party's list but says the support he has received since the incident has convinced him to keep going.
On his Facebook page, Mr Withey said: "It's not been the easiest 12 months in my personal life and I guess one of the things about being a public figure is that your personal life isn't especially private.
"With everything going on this year's bid for re-election was always going to be another thing to try and get through, however, recent events have made it a tough challenge.
"We're all human, we all make mistakes, we can all look back and say we could've handled situations differently, I'm no different.
"The reason I got into politics in the first place is because I felt we needed more 'normal' people representing us.
"It's been mentioned that I've taken a bit of a step back over the past couple of weeks, this is only natural, I've spent that time in the company of friends, gathering myself and getting my head together.
"I've received an incredible amount of messages of support and I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has messaged me, stopped me in the street, patted me on the back and hugged me. It has meant so much.
"This support and that of my friends over the past couple of weeks has given me the motivation and belief not to give up.
I've worked hard for our community over the last five years and I want to continue doing so for another five, not just because I love my job but more importantly because I believe we need a locally based councillor to represent us - someone from the Alford side of the ward - with Councillor Latham standing down that responsibility falls solely on me.
"I'm back out on the campaign trail, there is just over a week until the election and I'm going to give it everything to ensure I'm still your councillor by the end of it.
"I will need every ounce of support and everyone who can, to get out and vote next week by putting a '1' next to my name on the ballot paper.
"I'll be out chatting to as many people as I can over the next week and invite anyone who wants a chat to contact me.
"I still believe we can do this by voting Robbie Withey 1 on May 5th. Thanks again to everyone who has supported me over that last couple of weeks."
