Marco Biagi, councillor in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward and former MSP and Government Minister, has announced his resignation from the council today.
He is to join The Scottish Government in a senior role. Mr Biagi said: “I’ve taken up a post today as a Special Adviser with the Scottish Government, working on the programme and strategy for the country. I investigated the possibility of combining this with my role as an Edinburgh councillor, but the legal requirements proved to be unworkable. With heavy heart I therefore stepped down from City of Edinburgh Council this morning.
“It’s been an honour to work on behalf of the residents of my ward to make the city a better place. It’s also been a joy to work with my colleagues and all the excellent team at the council. I wish them all the greatest success.”
The Edinburgh Reporter has contacted the Scottish Government for comment.
Leader of the SNP Group on The City of Edinburgh Council, Cllr Simita Kumar, said: “Cllr Marco Biagi has made a decision to step down from the Council to take up a new position with the Scottish Government. While I am sad by Marco’s departure from the SNP Group in Edinburgh, I am equally thrilled for him as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
Marco has been an integral part of Team SNP, offering unwavering support and dedication, not just to the group but to me personally. His contributions have left a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed.
To the residents of Colinton/Fairmilehead, I understand the frustration this news may bring, especially in light of the recent by-election. Marco has always prioritised his constituents, and I know he would have adjusted the timing if it were possible. Your voice remains crucial to us, and I want to reassure you that we are committed to ensuring you continue to have strong representation in the Council”.
The resignation of Cllr Biagi will spark a by-election in the ward – the second in six months after the resignation of Cllr Scott Arthur. That by election was held on 14 November and was won by Liberal Democrat Louise Spence.
The numbers are all important in the 63 member council where the SNP have the largest group currently holding 18 seats (they were elected with 19 in 2022 but then former Lord Provost Frank Ross stood down). Liberal Democrats have 14 after last week’s by-election win while the minority Labour administration has 11.
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