Inverclyde Now Logo GARY Is Latest Independent Candidate Standing In Inverclyde Council Election

21 February, 2017 | Noticeboard

A SOCIAL worker who lives in Inverkip is the latest independent council election candidate to be announced.

Gary Purdon will stand in Inverclyde South West which covers Inverkip, Wemyss Bay, Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton

He said: “I feel passionately about my community and want to ensure that they are provided with the best possible councillor to work hard on the issues affecting the community and contribute at a strategic level in getting the best deal and value for money for Inverclyde and its people, strengthening our workforce and reducing poverty levels in our communities.”

Gary got interested in politics during the Independence Referendum, joined the SNP and campaigned for them in the Westminster and Holyrood elections.

He is no longer a member of the SNP and said he decided to stand as an independent as he didn’t feel he would be able to represent residents properly “within the constraints of a political party.”

Gary said he is prepared to give up his job as a social worker to be a full-time councillor explaining: “I want to do it right. It’s about community empowerment. I will speak to people on doorsteps and find out what the issues are. You can’t just expect people to turn up at councillor surgeries.”

Gary has lived in the ward for more than 40 years, growing up in the Larkfield area where he lived for more than 20 years.

He worked in Inverkip Power Station as a mechanical fitter and then had 21 years at IBM Greenock, latterly in quality engineeering. 

He volunteered on Inverclyde Children’s Panel for three years from 2002 and, through that experience, decided on a complete career change, studying for a degree in education and social services.

His career in social work has included working in residential children’s homes, secure care and youth justice services. He is currently part of an intervention team in East Ayrshire helping young people and families. He is also a trade union workplace representative.

Gary is a coach with Ardgowan Football Development, was elected to Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council, along with with his wife, and is involved with Inverclyde Back To School Bank

A number of independent candidates have come forward to contest various wards in the Inverclyde Council election in May, including sitting Gourock councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, Port Glasgow butcher Drew McKenzie and retired Greenock soldier Eddie McEleny.

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