Lib Dem to quit local politics

John Stewart, the former leader of Aberdeen City Council, yesterday announced that he is to retire from local government politics at the council elections in May next year.

The Liberal Democrat will be joined in leaving the city council by his civil partner, Neil Fletcher, who is also the depute convener of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

Mr Stewart, leader of the Lib Dem Group on the council and depute leader of the council, said he had decided to stand down for personal reasons. He explained: “I have been involved in politics for the best part of 20 years and it is just time for a change.

“The next term would be five years. And, if I was to be elected, I would have spent a third of my life as a councillor at the end of that period.

“I have absolutely nothing planned, but I am still under 40 and it’s a good time for me to be looking at a change in career.”