Newly elected Lib Dem quits Edinburgh council after her house is put up for sale one day after winning as a ‘local’ champion

A newly elected Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor in Edinburgh has resigned from her position after it was discovered that her house was put up for sale just one day after she won the election by running as a “local” champion. Louise Spence, who won in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward on November 14, decided to step down citing personal reasons that will require her to spend time outside of Edinburgh. The timing of her house being listed for sale sparked questions about her commitment to the local community she promised to serve.

During her campaign, Spence emphasised her roots in the area and criticised her opponents for not living locally. However, it was revealed that her four-bedroom detached bungalow in Colinton was made available for offers over £730,000 on November 15, the day after she won the election. The Liberal Democrats disclosed that Spence would split her time between Edinburgh and another location outside the city, without specifying where exactly.

In her resignation statement, Spence expressed that due to unforeseen personal circumstances, she could not continue as a councillor and needed to focus on her family. She acknowledged the high standards set by the Liberal Democrats for local representatives and felt it would not be right to remain in the council while her attention was elsewhere. Her decision to resign will coincide with another by-election in the ward in February, following the resignation of an SNP councillor.

This development marks the third by-election in the same Edinburgh ward within a short period, with the previous vacancies due to former councillors moving on to other roles. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, praised Spence’s victory and emphasised her role as a local champion. The party’s campaign focused on addressing key issues affecting the community, garnering significant support from voters.

The resignation of Louise Spence highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local politics, as elected officials are expected to uphold the trust placed in them by their constituents. It also underscores the challenges of balancing personal circumstances with public responsibilities, especially in a role that demands unwavering dedication to serving the community.

In conclusion, the situation with Louise Spence serves as a reminder of the scrutiny and expectations that come with public office, and the need for elected representatives to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the communities they serve. Transparency, integrity, and accountability are essential qualities for building and maintaining trust with the electorate, and any lapses in these areas can have significant consequences for politicians at all levels.