SNP Announce Local Election Candidates for Ellon & District Ward
>> 28 February 2017
The Ellon SNP Branch has announced the party's candidates to contest the Ellon & District ward at the forthcoming local council elections in May.
Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader and current Ellon and District Councillor Richard Thomson – who was first elected in the ward in 2012 – and local community worker Anouk Kloppert, are hoping to represent the ward, which stretches from Ythanbank in the north to Foveran in the south, and includes Ellon, Newburgh and Arnage.
Making his announcement, Cllr Merson said:
“It has been a great privilege to have served the people of Ellon & District for the last ten years. However, I am confident that I leave that responsibility in the capable hands of my colleagues, Cllr Richard Thomson, and Anouk Kloppert, who has been selected as a new candidate.
“As a former parliamentary candidate and current Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Richard already has a wealth of political experience. His firm grasp of local government and the financial challenges with which it is currently faced were recently put to great use in formulating the Council Budget and securing its approval. It has been a pleasure to work with him, both as a fellow councillor, and previously, as a member of Alex Salmond’s staff.
“Anouk is already well known in the area as a result of her extensive voluntary work in the community. She is an extremely able individual, who has demonstrated an aptitude for organisation and capacity for hard work. I have every confidence that she will be an excellent councillor for Ellon & District and will bring a range of skills to the SNP Council Group.”
“As a former parliamentary candidate and current Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Richard already has a wealth of political experience. His firm grasp of local government and the financial challenges with which it is currently faced were recently put to great use in formulating the Council Budget and securing its approval. It has been a pleasure to work with him, both as a fellow councillor, and previously, as a member of Alex Salmond’s staff.
“Anouk is already well known in the area as a result of her extensive voluntary work in the community. She is an extremely able individual, who has demonstrated an aptitude for organisation and capacity for hard work. I have every confidence that she will be an excellent councillor for Ellon & District and will bring a range of skills to the SNP Council Group.”
Speaking afterwards, Cllr Thomson added:
“It's been a real privilege to represent Ellon & District over the past 5 years. When I first stood for election, it was with no thought to my ever leading the council or taking on all the extra responsibilities which that brings.
“While I'm proud of what the SNP has managed to achieve for Aberdeenshire in the last two years by being part of a 'Partnership' administration, the greatest reward is being able to use your position as a councillor to help people and to do the best for the communities you represent, and that has always been my number one priority throughout the last five years.
“While I'm sorry to see Rob standing down , I know that Anouk would be a very worthy replacement. I look forward to campaigning alongside her in the weeks ahead to set out our plans for Ellon & District and to make the case for keeping an SNP-led council administration in Aberdeenshire."
“While I'm proud of what the SNP has managed to achieve for Aberdeenshire in the last two years by being part of a 'Partnership' administration, the greatest reward is being able to use your position as a councillor to help people and to do the best for the communities you represent, and that has always been my number one priority throughout the last five years.
“While I'm sorry to see Rob standing down , I know that Anouk would be a very worthy replacement. I look forward to campaigning alongside her in the weeks ahead to set out our plans for Ellon & District and to make the case for keeping an SNP-led council administration in Aberdeenshire."
Ms Kloppert added:
“I'm delighted to have been selected as an SNP Candidate for the upcoming local elections. As a long-time resident of the area, I've always shown a commitment to improving the local environment, helping the vulnerable and building stronger communities. I know that Richard and I will make a good team together for Ellon & District, and I look forward to speaking to as many voters as possible between now and election day.”
