Aberdeenshire councillor quits the Conservative party
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A NORTH-east councillor has quit the Scottish Tory party to become an aligned independent.
Dianne Beagrie, who was elected as a Scottish Conservative candidate in 2017 for the Peterhead North and Rattray ward will spend the final few months of her five-year term ahead of local election in May as an independent.
In a statement she said: "Thank you to all the ward members, community members who have supported me since my election to the ward of Peterhead North and Rattray.
"Going forward I have taken the decision to become an Aligned Independent Councillor.
"This will not affect my commitment and passion for my position and the work I do and will continue to do for the ward and community until the end of my term in May 2022.
"Going forward I feel I can do some much more for my constituents with out being tied to any political party."