MP for Cardenden and Kinglassie, Peter Grant, is to step down from Fife Council.

Mr Grant announced at the end of last week that the time was right to go as a councillor, a role he has fulfilled for many years.

He has fulfilled the role as councillor for the Glenrothes and Kinglassie ward and the decision will mean another by-election.

Over past two years there have been by-elections in the Lochs, Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes and Kinglassie wards, the last of which was held earlier this year to replace the late Betty Campbell.

Mr Grant, who was council leader of the SNP-Lib-Dem coalition from 2007 to 2012, said on Friday, “Now is the best time to stand down to allow me to concentrate on my new role at Westminster.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as a councillor for 23 years and over that time I have been lucky enough to serve with some of the finest people God ever made, both councillors and council officers. I have also been lucky enough to meet some truly amazing people working in paid and unpaid roles in other organisations.

“Taking a number of things into account, now is the best time to go.” He added, “There will be a by-election to fill the seat, probably some time in September, and I look forward to working for the election of another SNP councillor.” The outcome of the by-election could be crucial in the make-up of the Glenrothes Area Committee with the control being contested by the SNP and Labour.