Former police chief wins by-election
MATTHEW Reiss is the latest addition to Highland Council after storming to victory in the landward Caithness by-election today.
The former Northern Constabulary area commander for Caithness and Sutherland beat his nearest opponent Winifred Sutherland by almost 500 votes with SNP candidate Ed Boyter finishing a close third.
Speaking after his victory, Mr Reiss said he realised he had a lot to learn, but was relishing the opportunity of serving the community.
“I have worked with the Highland Council closely in the past, but there are areas which I need more detail about,” he said.
“What I will aim to do is to talk in plain English and represent the county the best way I can by putting in the hard work and getting the job done.”
Result:
Matthew Reiss 1150
Winifred Sutherland 593
Ed Boyter 546
Kerensa Carr 171
Tina Irving 128
Total votes 2616. Valid 2588. Rejected 28. Turnout 29.91%