Sullivan’s appeal rejected by Labour

Deselected Airdrie councillor Peter Sullivan is “sad and disappointed”to have failed in his appeal to be allowed to defend his seat for Labour next year.

The veteran politician has not been selected as one of the party’s candidates, after not being put forward following an initial panel interview and then seeing that group’s decision upheld at an appeal to the party’s Scottish Executive last week.

Now he is considering the possibility of standing as an independent – while insisting such a move would not be in a show of opposition to the party or its leadership, but to allow constituents to have the final say on his political career.

He told the Advertiser of the selection process: “They gave certain reasons I wasn’t enamoured with; they’d said I wasn’t sufficiently involved in the community, which I found hard to take and don’t agree with.

“I presented my case to the appeal panel and had people give testimonials to support me, but this is the decision; I’m sad and disappointed as I’ve been a member for a long time.

“I’m not against the interview system and I agree that all representatives should be interviewed – but I think the decision should be made by [local branch] constituency members.”

Councillor Sullivan was first elected in 1988, and represented the area until losing his seat in the first proportional representation council election in 2007; he was then returned to office in 2009.

He said:“I have to think about whether to stand again, consult people and see what happens; but if I stood as an independent, I wouldn’t do so to oppose Jim Logue and his team, as I think he’s a good leader.”

Council leader Logue spoke for his ward colleague at the appeal, and said:“I’m disappointed that his appeal wasn’t upheld. I’ve known Peter for 30 years and he’s an excellent councillor; very conscientious, active, popular and well respected by residents.”

A party spokesperson said:“The Labour party would like to thank Peter for his years of service to his community and wish him well in the future.”