Newly-elected MSP Alexander Stewart is to remain as a councillor for the time being but will stop drawing his salary.
One of the most high-profile councillors on Perth and Kinross Council, Mr Stewart was one of four Scottish Conservative candidates who were successful in the list vote for Holyrood.
He joined Liz Smith, Murdo Fraser and Dean Lockhart as Conservatives representing Mid Scotland and Fife and is part of the main opposition to the SNP at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
“It is my intention to remain as a councillor for a year, we are not planning a by-election,” he said.
At present he is convener of the scrutiny committee and vice convener of the audit committee but will step down from those roles in the coming weeks.
“That will give the council the opportunity to find a new convener before the next full council meeting,” he said.
Mr Stewart will remain as an active member of the community safety committee due to his particular interest as a past member of the joint board of Tayside Police.
He has no illusions about the workload that the dual role until May next year will involve, but is confident that he will be able to fulfil all his duties.
“I will come to as many full council meetings as my parliamentary duties allow,” said Mr Stewart.
“It is not going to be easy – my life is going to be a little bit hectic.
“It will be good hectic, it is not something I am unaccustomed to and it is no hardship.
“I will look after my constituents in Perth south while taking on my new responsibilities.”
By continuing in his role as a councillor it will allow the Conservatives to identify a candidate to stand in his ward in a year’s time.
Mr Stewart said it his intention to relocate from Perth and he has been looking at properties in Bridge of Allan.
