SNP choose Gwyneth Petrie to stand again in Aberdeenshire Council elections for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford
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THE SNP have confirmed that Gwyneth Petrie will be standing for re-election to Aberdeenshire Council.
Local authority elections take place on Thursday, May 5.
A Councillor for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford since 2015, last year, Ms Petrie, (33) was nominated in the resilience and recovery category of the Local Government Information Unit awards for her work supporting the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
Born and raised in Huntly she attended Gordon Primary School and The Gordon Schools, before going on to complete a degree and post graduate diploma in law at the University of Aberdeen.
She worked in a SNP Parliamentary office, before being elected in a by-election following the death of Councillor Joanna Strathdee.
She lives in Huntly with her partner and two sons, aged 2 and 16, who attend school and childcare locally.
Ms Petrie is the current SNP group leader and leader of the opposition at Aberdeenshire Council. Locally, she chairs the Huntly Town Team, and sits on the board of the Glens on Foudland wind farm trust.
Commenting on her re-selection, she said: “It has been an honour to serve as a Councillor for nearly seven years. I grew up in Huntly, and I am now raising my family here - I am absolutely passionate about working to improve the town and surrounding areas, to ensure that it is an area where people choose to live and work.
“Through the work of the Town Team, we have been able to lead the way into the town receiving significant investment by pulling together a coordinated plan, based on the priorities of those living in the area.
“As the first projects progress, we are beginning to see further developments, and an air of optimism over the future of the town. Regeneration will take time, and I really hope I can continue on this work if re-elected, to see further progress.
“One of the key challenges to people choosing to live here is the availability of housing - and I’m therefore delighted that we’ve been able to secure two new developments in the town, which are now under construction.
“Sometimes, however, it’s the little wins that mean the most.
“From pushing for repairs on play equipment, to securing the re-opening of the town centre public toilets, and also working with communities to try and improve road safety, both in towns and rurally.
“These things make a real difference to those living here, and it’s through every day communication with constituents that they can be achieved.”
