Peter Mackenzie - SNP Councillor in East Lothian

Peter Mackenzie has found himself with considerable responsibility since being first elected as recently as 2007. He serves as an SNP Councillor for the East Lothian ward of Preston Seton and Gosford.

With an influx of new Councillors in 2007 and a new SNP / Liberal Democrat administration, Peter was catapulted into membership of the Council's Cabinet as well as having Cabinet responsibility for Education & Children's Services. Along with this came representation on a number of significant outside bodies such as Lothian and Borders Police Board.

2007 elections

The council elections of 2007 saw significant change in Scottish local government, and East Lothian seems typical of that. With the introduction of proportional representation and many long-serving Labour Councillors standing down, newly-elected Councillors have been given significant responsibility. Peter is one of these and seems to be relishing the opportunity.

However Peter realises that being a full-time Councillor - as he effectively is - is not necessarily everyone's aim. 'There has to be a decision made early on for a Councillor who is part of the ruling administration.' he says. 'Either to accept a position of responsibility and be totally committed to council work or to decline responsibility and continue to be in other employment full-time or part-time.'

Appropriate experience

As a former primary school teacher and with a Master's degree in the teaching of reading, Peter's council post with responsibility for education is a good match.

His first degree in Biblical Studies has given him insight in reflecting on the role of the Christian in politics. He is firm in his views about his faith being a constant part of his life, not just segregated off for particular parts of the week.

A Councillor's life

As well as normal daytime working hours Peter reckons 3 or 4 evenings a week need to be devoted to council business. The demands of his cabinet post have meant that he has had to become much more informed about the methodology of local government finance.

Peter is committed to getting to know his ward and his community. It is vital to understand the lives of public servants like the police and teachers and to spend time meeting with them, as well as involvement other community organisations such as Rotary and single-issue pressure groups.

One of the inevitable outcomes of being a Councillor is the reduced time available for church involvement. Churches need be supporting Councillors in their congregation in prayer and to recognise that Councillors will have less time than before to be involved in the day-to-day life of the congregation. 'There needs to be understanding by the local church,' says Peter, 'that serving as a local Councillor carries the same prayer support needs as someone serving in the mission field.'

Aspirations

Peter joined the SNP because he hopes to see Scotland independent one day. He is an enthusiast for the Gaelic language and pushes literacy and reading in schools wherever he can. He would like to see Scottish history coming to the forefront in schools, and maintains that much of Scottish history cannot be understood until one has a sound grasp of church history!

This article was written by Bill Baird of CARE Scotland, complied from an interview with Peter