Inverness’s new MP will have offices in Highland capital and Fort William
Inverness’s new MP plans to have two constituency offices - including one in the Highland capital.
Lochaber-based Angus MacDonald will also have one in Fort William in a bid to be accessible to as many residents in the vast Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire territory.
“This would allow me to cover around 80 per cent of the population,” he said.
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The Lib Dem MP, who made his debut appearance in Westminster this week, will also regretfully resign as a Highland councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan.
It follows his victory in the general election, which was eventually confirmed last Saturday evening after a second recount, making him the last MP to be declared in the UK.
“I shall be resigning as a councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan with great regret,” said the 61-year-old successful businessman and philanthropist. “I have really enjoyed my last 26 months as a councillor and learnt a great deal.
“Tight financial constraints are a major issue [for Highland Council].
“My biggest concern as I leave is the care sector in the Highlands - a huge investment in new care homes is needed and increased pay for care staff. With an ageing population we need to be ready for the imminent demand.”
It will mean a fourth councillor vacancy, with Bet McAllister stepping away from Inverness Central last month, and councillors Pauline Munro and Molly Nolan both due to leave the Cromarty Firth ward on July 31.
By-elections will take place to fill the seats, with one taking place for Inverness Central on September 26, while dates are to be confirmed for the others.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The cost of an individual by-election is around £50,000.”
