Heddle receives backing in bid for OIC convenership

Kirkwall East councillor Steven Heddle has signalled his intention to stand for the convenership of Orkney Islands Council — which will be decided at tomorrow’s meeting of the full council.

Councillor Stephen Hagan has been convener for the past nine years, and intimated following his re-election that he would be willing to stand again if nominated.

Councillor Heddle said in a statement today: “I’m standing because I sincerely believe I can do a good job for this council and for Orkney, and ultimately a better job.”

“Stephen Hagan has been an able convener for the last nine years, but of course there are other able people in the Orkney Islands Council who could also be good conveners. A number of them have stood aside as challengers to support me, and I am humbled that they have done this.

“My pitch is straightforward: the council leadership needs to be more inclusive and focussed on the new priorities we will collectively decide; our communication internally and externally must continue to improve; and we need new energy and new ideas to be applied to our old problems.”

Councillor Heddle’s stance has been endorsed by the Orkney Manifesto Group, made up of councillors Alistair Gordon, John Richards and Bill Stout.

A group statement said: “In talks with Councillor Heddle he has confirmed his general acceptance of the key policy proposals set out in our pre-election manifesto.

“We have agreed to cast our votes for Councillor Heddle as a group, not only because of this support, but also because we believe he will bring a number of personal strengths to the role of convener.

“We are impressed by his commitment to inclusiveness, teamwork and communication in the management of council business. We also believe he has a clear vision for the future of Orkney and will excel as an ambassador and determined advocate for these islands.”