A BY-ELECTION will be called in Clacks following the resignation of SNP councillor Phil Fairlie.

The representative for the Central Ward informed the council's chief executive of his intention to step down, citing a mixture of personal and professional reasons.

Mr Fairlie is the Scottish national chairman of the Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers (POA).

However, he claims that opponents have used his role as a Clacks councillor to undermine his POA role – something he was not willing ignore.

His brother Andrew was also diagnosed with a brain tumour in November last year and he adds that this matter will be his priority.

Mr Fairlie said: “It is with regret that I have tendered my resignation as councillor for Clacks Central ward on Clackmannanshire Council.

"A combination of factors have contributed to me making this decision, but it is one that I believe is the right outcome in the circumstances.

"I spoke with the council leader some months ago about ongoing matters relating to my role as the chairperson of my trade union within the prison service, and the challenges being presented by some who were seeking to use my role on the council to undermine my work within the union, and more importantly my unions best interests.

"While the personal attacks on me I am able to withstand, the weaponising of my role on the council to attack my trade union and its agenda is not something I am willing to ignore, or allow to cause damage.

"This has thrown up several challenges in trying to fulfil both my roles and ultimately there are periods where I am spending time and energies addressing or tackling these issues when there are far more legitimate and deserving matters that need addressed, without distraction.

"Between these issues and some challenging family matters that are a priority for me at this current time, I believe this decision to be in the best interests of all concerned."

Mr Fairlie was named deputy council leader in April 2018 and also served as the administration's spokesperson for audit and finance.

He added: "It has been an honour and a privilege to have represented the people of Sauchie and Fishcross, and I am extremely grateful to have had that opportunity.

"I would like to thank the council leader and my colleagues within the administration for all their support and understanding throughout this period. I wish them every success as they seek to navigate some fairly difficult paths ahead given the extremely challenging finances of the council at present."

Mr Fairlie was elected during the local government elections in May 2017, along with Labour's Derek Stewart and the Conservatives' Mike Watson.

Council leader Ellen Forson added: “It is with regret that I have accepted the resignation of Cllr Fairlie and I would like to express my disappointment that he has been forced into the position of having to choose between his employment and serving as an elected member of Clackmannanshire Council.

"I would like to thank him for his hard work and the important part he has played in the council administration since May 2017.”