Veteran councillor Gordon Murray set to stand down

On Thursday May 3 locals will go to the polls to select their new councillors but one name which will not appear on the ballot papers is that of former provost Gordon Murray.

Now in his mid-80s, the local political heavyweight has told the News that failing health has put paid to any further involvement in the affairs of North Lanarkshire Council.

Councillor Murray, who is the only representative of the Cumbernauld Independent Councillors Association on the council, said that he was already thinking of the future as regards his constituents.

And in a dramatic twist he has sensationally named the man who he wishes to succeed him – and that name needs no introduction in Cumbernauld.

He is Councillor Alan O’Brien who will now stand under the banner of CICA after members agreed to lend him their support.

For more on this story, see your News and Chronicle – out now.