Councillor Eddie Bulik quits his party

Nov 20 2009 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A COUNCILLOR has quit his struggling party to go independent.

Eddie Bulik is the latest defection from South Ayrshire Council’s Labour group.

The party won nine seats at the last election – but three of the councillors have already walked out.

Mr Bulik follows former leader Douglas Campbell and Elaine Little out the party exit door.

And he insists that going it alone will allow him to do a proper job for his Ayr East constituents.

Mr Bulik revealed: “There are a lot of things that need to be done in my ward – and I want to make them happen.

“I am convinced that the best way I can do this is by resigning from the Labour group and becoming an independent councillor.

“I will continue to work hard for the people in my ward and hopefully will achieve a lot by putting any political differences aside, by working with my fellow councillors to this end.”

South Ayrshire’s Labour group have been beset by problems since losing their control of the council.

Alarm bells started ringing when the party’s influential Mr Campbell quit to become an independent, with Mrs Little soon following.

And the further blow of losing councillor Bulik is sure to cut deep.

Eddie, 38, confessed: “It’s with some regret that I made this decision and I had to think long and hard about it.

“I joined this party more than 15 years ago and have been a councillor for more than six, so it’s not a step I’ve taken lightly.

“A leopard doesn’t change its spots and I still hold the same values as I did before, but this is a move I had to make.

“I see the position of councillor as being a priviledge to serve the people – it will never be a career for me.

“It’s true that I never saw myself being an independent but that is what has transpired and I will continue to represent my constituents as best I can.”

The move means the council now has 12 Conservative, 8 SNP, 6 Labour and 4 indepenent councillors.