Aberdeenshire candidate ‘concerned’ that he has not appeared on official website

An Independent candidate in Aberdeenshire has said he is “concerned” after he has not appeared on the council’s official website as a candidate.

Independent candidate Neil McLennan has written to Aberdeenshire Council’s returning officer after discovering that his name did not appear on an official Aberdeenshire Council webpage relating to the Banffshire and Buchan Coastal constituency.

Mr McLennan is a former Conservative council leader where he was co-leader of Moray Council and also the Conservative lead for Cosla.

He has served Buckie and Findochty as an Independent since 2022 after resigning from the Scottish Conservatives.

Mr McLennan said: “I am concerned at this serious matter. Voters who do their homework and look up candidates to find out about them would not have been able to do so. Furthermore, this webpage was specifically for voters who are needing support with accessible voting.

“I have prided myself in the support I have given to people in the constituency to ensure their accessibility issues do not prevent them accessing things that all of us take for granted. For those voters not to be able to see that there is an Independent candidate standing is not helpful.”

He is currently campaigning under his initials N D R McLennan in the constituency where Alex Salmond served for many years.

In his letter Mr McLennan said: “This omission disadvantages both my campaign and members of the public who are looking up and/or researching candidates ahead of voting.”

He is also asking for an investigation into how the omission occurred and how long the omission has been live for.

Mr McLennan continued: “Being an Independent candidate is always an uphill struggle, campaigning against the power and resource of political parties – this setback makes it even more difficult.

“I recently took part in the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation hustings and am aware from feedback that fishing communities were pleased there is an Independent candidate standing and someone who was able to challenge the major parties’ track record and support of coastal communities and livelihoods.

“I don’t think everyone knew there was an Independent standing for Banffshire and Buchan – now, we maybe can see why people were unaware. I have now launched my manifesto and I hope that people will look at it alongside the other national political party manifestos, before coming to a balanced and informed decision as to who would best serve this brilliant area with great people.”