New Conservative representative for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward Patrick Logue (28) pledges to 'challenge the status quo a little' on Highland Council with improved electric vehicle public charging infrastructure amongst priorities
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Councillor Patrick Logue says it was a “delight and a privilege” to be elected to represent the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward last week.
At 28, he’s one of a growing number of young Conservatives joining Highland Council.
Andrew Jarvie and Andrew Sinclair were both elected in their mid-20s and retained their seats for a second term.
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“It has been remarked to me that I must be the youngest person to ever be elected to Highland Council,” he says. “Unfortunately at 28 I am not able to claim that accolade. However, I do believe that younger people bring a different perspective to politics and that is something I am keen to represent over the coming years.”
Mr Logue believes democracy is alive and well in the Highlands, but reform is needed.
“I was informed by the chief executive that the webcast of the Highland Council election results was the highest viewed of any local authority count in the UK,” he says. “At a time when local democracy should really be at the forefront of our priorities, these levels of engagement are very encouraging.”
Mr Logue believes the Highland people want to see an improved relationship between the council and the communities it serves. To that end, he intends to “challenge the status quo a little”.
“For an organisation covering a land mass around the size of Belgium, I will work to improve the accessibility of the council and bring it closer to the concerns of local people.”
As for his own concerns, Mr Logue is an electric car driver and says he will “hold the council’s feet to the fire” to get better public charging infrastructure.
Mr Logue will join his new colleagues at the first meeting of the full council on Thursday, May 26.
The Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward is represented by Biz Campbell (Independent), Chris Birt (SNP), Liz Kraft (SNP) and Patrick Logue (Conservative).
See this week's Ross-shire Journal for a rundown of the new councillors across the county
