Election / Smith confirms intention to stand down at May election
SHETLAND West councillor Theo Smith has confirmed he will not be putting himself forward for re-election in May.
He has served as a councillor for the ward for a decade.
Smith said “if I were to complete another term, I would be in my mid-seventies”.
He made the decision after “considerable deliberation”.
“Another big factor for my decision is the boundary change which has taken place in the Shetland West ward,” Smith added.
“I’d feel uncomfortable standing again for Shetland West and living in the new Central ward.”
Smith – who previously worked in the local building and construction industry – added that he has “thoroughly enjoyed” his time on the council, and recommended that anyone thinking of standing should get their nomination papers in.
“It can be a very frustrating job but working together with colleagues and the community you represent can be very rewarding,” he added.
“Finally, I would like to say how much I shall miss working with my fellow members, some of whom have become good friends over the last ten years, and also to convey the respect I have for the very hard-working council officials.”
Smith is the latest councillor to confirm their intention not to seek re-election.
It comes after Shetland South member George Smith confirmed this week he will not be standing.
There is set to be change at the top in the council chamber, with convener Malcolm Bell, leader Steven Coutts and development committee chairman Alastair Cooper among those also not standing.
Former council leader Gary Robinson this week confirmed his intention to put himself forward in the Lerwick North and Bressay ward.
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