Council stalwart steps down from SNP deputy leader role due to ill health
INVERNESS councillor Richard Laird (right) has announced he is to step down as the SNP group’s deputy leader on Highland Council, due to ill health.
He is also relinquishing his role as chairman of the council’s audit and scrutiny committee, which is an opposition-led watchdog that keeps a check on the ruling administration.
Councillor Laird (32), who represents Inverness Central ward, was first elected in 2012 and remains one of the youngest members of the council.
He has been highly respected in council circles as a talented orator and passionate politician.
In particular, he has consistently fought for a better deal for constituents living in the poorest quarter of the Highlands.
Cllr Laird has contacted a small number of colleagues on each side of the chamber and the chief executive Steve Barron to inform them of his decision.
He said: “My health isn’t good enough. That’s the reason I’m stepping down.
“For the last year or so, both my physical health and my mental health have been in decline.
“I gave it to the summer recess to see if I got better. That’s not the case.
“In fact, I’ve been put on more medication than I was on before the recess, so I decided I can’t do the deputy leadership and the chair of audit and scrutiny chair any more and do them properly.
“I think it’s important that someone who’s got these positions can do those jobs.
“I’ve been told by the doctor to reduce my workload a bit.”
Cllr Laird added that he had every intention of continuing to serve his constituents “for the foreseeable future”.
SNP group leader Maxine Smith said: “I am saddened that Richard has had to step down as depute group leader, as we have worked well together.
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“His illness has been creeping up on him for some time and he feels he needs time to rest, so removing the huge responsibility of chairing a strategic committee is a sensible thing to do.
“Richard will continue to be a valued member of our group and I look forward to him continuing with his great ideas and suggestions, which he brings forth both in group and in chamber. He is a highly intelligent man, who has lots more to give.”
Cllr Laird had aspirations to become an MSP, challenging for a Highlands and Islands regional seat in the 2016 Holyrood election. He was not selected.
