The Leader of Orkney Islands Council James Stockan has announced that he is to retire including as an OIC councillor, effective from Monday 5th February.
A new Leader for the council will have to be elected and a By-Election for the Stromness and South Isles seat which James Stockan represents.
Commenting about his retirement, James Stockan said:
“I’ve been planning my retirement for some time and see this as the right time to make that change. Big life decisions like this can come easy and they can come hard – and there’s elements of both here for me.
“Having been part of the Council for 20 years, School Place and the goings on in the Council chamber has become an intrinsic part of mine and my family’s lives. In that time, I’ve done my very best to serve the people and interests of Orkney well – creating plenty of ripples in the corridors of power in Edinburgh and London along the way. It has been a tremendous privilege to have had that responsibility bestowed upon me not just by my fellow Councillors, but by people in Orkney too.
“There comes a time when there’s a natural depletion of energy required to give your very best to that level of responsibility though – and for me, after twenty years, that time has now come.
“I leave the role grateful and thankful for the experiences and opportunities it has brought me. I am confident in the ability of my fellow councillors, with the support of our officer team, to take the reins but hope to have opportunities to support Orkney politically in the future where I can.”
Following his announcement OIC Chief Executive Oliver Reid said:
“I’ve been incredibly lucky as a new Chief Executive to have had a Political Leader like James, who is an exemplar to others in terms of his depth of understanding of local government issues and in terms of his tenacity in fighting Orkney’s corner in the national arena.
“His influence, experience and dedication are unrivalled – I’ve learnt a great deal from him and will miss working closely with him having access to his wise support and advice on a daily basis.
“James has put a great deal of effort over the last couple of years into encouraging and supporting fellow elected members in their development – and this should ensure a smooth transition when the Council elects a new Political Leader.”
Orkney Constituency MSP Liam McArthur, LibDem said:
“This decision will have come as a surprise to many people in Orkney, but the reasons cited by James for wanting to step down at this time are ones I understand and respect.
“James has been an energetic leader of the Council over recent years and deserves credit for the contribution he has made in this role and during his two decades on the Council. I have no doubt that he will find ways to continue to serve our community in future, but I hope that he now has a chance to enjoy more time with his family and wish him and Carrie all the best.”