Tulley returns to politics

The return to the local political scene of former Scottish Borders Council leader Drew Tulley has been confirmed.
Drew Tulley.Drew Tulley.
Drew Tulley.

The 77-year-old, who resigned as leader in 2002 and retired the following year, was one of 14 candidates for Galashiels Community Council who stood their ground when the deadline for nominations closed last Friday.

As there are 15 places on the council, no election for its new term will be necessary.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The nominees have seven days to withdraw their nominations, after which the names will be published by Scottish Borders Council.

“I’m relishing the chance to give Galashiels a strong voice and to hold our SBC representatives to account,” said Mr Tulley.

Mr Tulley joins a new council that is, at the moment, completely balanced as far as gender is concerned.

The gender balance was confirmed this week when the names of the 14 nominees for the body’s new term were revealed by the council.

With 15 available places, no election was necessary.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fresh faces on the community council include Helen Calder, Kevin Drum, Eileen Frame, John Hazle, Karen Lawson and Marion Romeril, along with Mr Tulley.

They will be joined by past members Tracey Alder, Tony Brown, Judith Cleghorn, Claire Howden, Thomas Ingoldsby, Douglas Johnston and Rick Kenney.

The new council will meet for the first time in the town’s Burgh Chambers on Wednesday, February 3, at 7pm, when office bearers will be elected and members will decide if they wish to co-opt to fill the single vacancy.

“Along with the other three Galashiels and District councillors on SBC, I am looking forward to working positively with the new community council,” said Councillor Bill White who was appointed returning officer for the election that never happened.

The composition of the community council is in stark contrast to that of SBC, which has 34 elected members, of whom just five are women.