MSP steps down from city council

Mr Don announced his resignation from the council on Wednesday

A Nationalist MSP has announced that he is to step down as a councillor, just months after being re-elected.

Nigel Don was chosen to represent the Dundee ward of Lochee in May, at the same time he won his seat in the Scottish Parliament.

He told SNP colleagues he had decided to quit Dundee City Council after he was appointed liason officer for the cabinet secretary for justice.

Mr Don has represented the city's Menzieshill ward for four years.

'Reluctantly agreed'

The leader of Dundee council's SNP group said Mr Don's additional workload had prompted his decision to stand down from the council.

Councillor Ken Guild told the BBC Scotland news website: "He's been given extra duties which will entail a fair amount of dashing about.

"He feels he couldn't spend the time in his ward that we would demand because we do insist councillors are available at all times.

"He suggested he stand down at a group meeting last night and we reluctantly agreed.

"He is very conscious of his duties as an MSP and councillor and I would like to pay tribute to Nigel for the terrific work he's done."

Mr Don's decision will trigger a by-election in Lochee.