Council leader to stand down

Councillor Craig Martin said after 20 years in local politics he would not be seeking re-election in May.

He currently represents the Carse, Kinnaird and Tryst ward.

Mr Martin has been the council leader for the last seven years and said during this time he has had to deliver some very difficult budget decisions, leading to “emotional stress”.

The father-of-three, whose son Craig is also a Falkirk councillor, said: “Four years ago I promised my wife and family that 2012 would be my last term and that I would spend more time with them.

“For the past 20 years, more years than I anticipated, it has been a great privilege to represent the area where I have lived and my family grew up in.

“In that time, I have delivered investment in local schools, play parks, housing, drainage and infrastructure to my local community.

“Nothing I have done in my life before, and I’m sure nothing that I will do with my life in the future, will match the hugely enriching local experiences I’ve had over those two decades.”