Highlands councillor faces election expenses inquiry

THE Highlands’ youngest councillor has been charged over ­alleged misconduct in connection with election expenses

Alex MacLeod, 20, has stepped down as an SNP party member, but remains a councillor.

Mr MacLeod, who worked for First Minister Alex Salmond on leaving school, was only 19 when he won his Landward Caithness seat in May’s elections.

He was Gaelic spokesman for the SNP-led administration, but has resigned from the controlling group while there are legal proceedings against him.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: “A 20-year-old man has been reported to the procurator-fiscal in connection with alleged offences under the Representation of the People Act 1983 and related offences.”

A conviction of such offences can carry a maximum six-month prison term.

An SNP spokesperson said: “Councillor MacLeod has stepped down from the SNP until this legal process has concluded. It would be inappropriate to comment further on what is an ongoing investigation.”

A police inquiry was launched two months ago. It is understood part of the investigation centred on accommodation expenses.