After winning a seat in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward on 14 November, Liberal Democrat politician Louise Spence has resigned from her position and sold her home.
Spence won her campaign in the southern Edinburgh ward with an emphasis on her local roots, calling herself a “real local champion.”
She criticised the Labour candidate and the sitting Tory councillor for living in Sciennes and Stockbridge respectively.
However, the day after the election, Spence’s Colinton home was put on the market.
Spence said: “I have had a sudden change in personal circumstances with meant I couldn’t in all conscience fulfil my role as a councillor. At this time, my focus must be with my family.”
She continued: “I know my decision will be deeply disappointing and frustrating for those who voted for me, for my council group colleagues and for all the Liberal Democrats who fought so hard to win the by-election. I am truly sorry at what has happened.”
The Liberal Democrats told Edinburgh Live that Spence would be splitting her time between Edinburgh and another location, believed to be in Dubai.
Kevin Lang, Liberal Democrat council group leader, said: “Louise’s news was shared with the group for the first time on Thursday and once her changed circumstances were clear, we were in agreement that she had to resign immediately.”
Dr Scott Arthur MP, who previously held the seat, said: “The actions of the Liberal Democrats and SNP following the by-election on 12 November are nothing short of farcical, and make a mockery of the people of Colinton, Oxgangs and Fairmilehead.”
“The Liberal Democrats led a dishonest campaign, talking up Louise Spence’s local credentials, all the while she appears to have been preparing to jet-off to Dubai. Her eight days on the Council achieved nothing, but cost us a great deal.”
“Scottish Liberal Democrats sign” by estillbham is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
