Candidates are preparing for their final week of campaigning before voters head to the polls for the Stirling East ward by-election on Thursday,- December 5.
The by-election was called after Stirling’s MP, Chris Kane, resigned as a councillor.
He had represented the Stirling East ward on the council since he was first elected in May 2017, and in May 2022 was appointed council leader.
The Labour politician stepped down from the leadership role several weeks after being elected as an MP in the UK General Election, however he did not resign as a councillor until more recently.
Among the candidates vying to take his spot at Stirling Council is Gary McGrow, a local resident of Braehead, who is standing as an independent candidate.
He has lived in the area for over 20 years with his family, and cites his “extensive experience in local government, economic development, private consultancy” and is currently working as a researcher for a national NHS organisation.
Gary has been actively involved in the community, previously serving on the community council as planning officer and secretary, addressing issues such as defibrillator installations, traffic safety, and anti-social behaviour.
Gary said: “The party candidates, five of whom do not even live in the ward, will put their party first and the community second. Living and bringing up my family in the Stirling East Ward gives me a real incentive to work hard and improve local services and infrastructure.”
Other candidates standing for the ward include: Andrew Adam – Scottish Greens; William Docherty – Reform UK; Willie Ferguson – SNP; Anne Kane – Labour; Christopher Spreadborough – Scottish Liberal Democrats; and Jennifer Ure – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.