Highland councillor resigns from SNP after feeling 'increasingly disillusioned'
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A Highland councillor has resigned from the SNP, saying he is "deeply troubled" by the party's policies which "often seem disproportionately focused on the central belt".
Karl Rosie, who has represented Thurso and Northwest Caithness on the local authority since 2017, also says he feels disillusioned with the SNP's "incoherent independence strategy".
He will continue in his role as an elected member of Highland Council and says "it is imperative to put people before party”.
Councillor Rosie was the SNP candidate at the general election in December 2019 and came within a couple of hundred votes of unseating Jamie Stone of the Liberal Democrats. Mr Stone held on with a 204-vote majority.
He announced his resignation in a letter to council leader Raymond Bremner.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am resigning as a member of the Scottish National Party, and I will no longer be part of the party’s Highland Council group, effective February 14, 2024," Councillor Rosie said.
"I will remain in my position as councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness. I have pondered this decision for some time and it has not been an easy process. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to Councillor Raymond Bremner for his leadership, as well as for the dedication and hard work of my fellow councillors within the SNP group.
“As a staunch supporter of independence for Scotland, I find myself increasingly disillusioned with the incoherent independence strategy that the party has adopted. It has become apparent to me that we cannot continue to make promises of independence to the electorate when I believe it is no longer a priority for the party, and I can no longer stand by such inconsistencies.
“I am deeply troubled by the SNP's policies, which often seem disproportionately focused on the central belt, neglecting the needs and priorities of regions like ours in the Highlands. Issues such as the Highly Protected Marine Areas, the Deposit Return Scheme, the lack of progress on A9 dualling and upgrades, along with missed opportunities to develop a meaningful industrial strategy, highlight the disconnect between the party's agenda and the realities faced by our constituents. It is imperative that our policies reflect the diverse needs of all Scots, regardless of their geographical location.
“I acknowledge a number of my fellow branch members and those who campaigned alongside me over the years, not just on my campaigns but also on other political campaigns for other SNP candidates, will be disappointed with this choice I’ve made. I want to thank them for their friendship and support, and I can assure them I do not do this lightly.
"I wish them the very best going forward, especially as I know that others have struggled with the direction of the SNP, as I have. For me, it is imperative to put people before party.”
Councillor Rosie said he wanted to reassure his constituents that he "will continue to work in support of local priorities".
He said he now "feels free and energised to work with residents, ward colleagues, community organisations, business and industry to develop meaningful and relevant policies that will address local and regional challenges, while untapping the vast range of opportunities that exist in Caithness and the north Highlands".
Councillor Rosie was born in Thurso and his career background is in the nuclear and oil and gas industries.
