A COUNCILLOR has resigned from the SNP in a shock announcement which criticised the party’s environmental policies.
Serena Cowdy, who was elected as an SNP councillor in Angus Council in 2022, announced that she was leaving the SNP with immediate effect on Monday evening.
“After a long and difficult period of reflection, I have concluded that I am no longer able to remain a member of the Scottish National Party,” she said in a statement.
“There have been a number of party and governmental decisions that I have disagreed with in recent months.
“That is inevitable within any democratic organisation.
“However, I believe the party and I are now in different places on too many issues, particularly with regard to the environmental agenda.”
Cowdy previously worked as a consumer rights journalist and worked on communications campaigns within numerous conservation charities.
She added that the choices made in the Scottish Government’s Budget contributed to her decision.
“In recent weeks, there have also been several major Scottish Government decisions that I cannot justify or defend,” she said.
“I am therefore resigning from the SNP with immediate effect, and will sit as a non-aligned, independent councillor for the rest of this council term.
Cowdy is married SNP veteran Stewart Hosie.
Hosie was previously married to Deputy First Minister Shona Robison however the pair separated in 2017 after details of Hosie’s affair with Cowdy became public.
Speaking to The Courier following news of Cowdy’s exit, Hosie said he “fully supports” his wife but remains a member of the SNP and has confidence in John Swinney’s government.
It comes after Cowdy put herself forward to run as the SNP candidate in the new seat of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry at the General Election.
Ultimately, Stephen Gethins was selected as the party's candidate and elected as an MP.
