Aberdeenshire independent councillor joins up with Conservative group
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Aberdeenshire Council's Conservative group have welcomed councillor Iain Sutherland who has joined them from the Aligned Independent Group.
The councillor for the Peterhead North and Rattray ward will join Dianne Beagrie, who was elected as the Conservative councillor for the same ward in 2017.
It means the Conservatives now have a total of three councillors in Peterhead, with Alan Fakley in Peterhead South and Cruden.
Conservative Group Leader Andy Kille, who is due to take over the leadership of Aberdeenshire Council from Jim Gifford in November, said: “I am delighted to welcome Iain to the Scottish Conservative group on Aberdeenshire Council.
"Councillor Dianne Beagrie has done a fantastic job in the Peterhead North and Rattray Ward and has achieved so much.
"As administration and ward colleagues, Dianne and Iain have worked well together for the last few years.
"This new closer working relationship will certainly improve things still further.
"Iain is a great addition to the Conservative team.”
Councillor Iain Sutherland said: "Serving my community as an aligned independent councillor in Peterhead North and Rattray has been a great privilege for me.
"During my time of public service, it has become clear that power is being drawn to Edinburgh and there is a need for me to make a greater stand for the north-east.
"I am delighted that the Scottish Conservative and Unionists are to be led by Douglas Ross, a north-east man.
"I have joined the party and will take my political journey forward as a Conservative councillor."
Councillor Dianne Beagrie said: “For the past three years I have worked tirelessly for Peterhead, Iain has been a great ward colleague.
"I really look forward to working with him as a group colleague as well.
"I know we share the same passion for our ward and Peterhead as a whole.
"I’m sure this will be a really positive thing that will allow us to achieve even more for our constituents."
