A difference of opinion on the vote

Controversy surrounded last Tuesday’s school transport meeting.

Two councillors, Labour representative Michael McPake and Colin Cameron of the Conservatives, declared interests in the agenda item as representatives of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and stepped out of the debate – but the former then returned to take part in the crucial tied vote.

However, Councillor McPake told the Advertiser that it had been an error to declare an interest in the non-decisionmaking consultation proposal, as opposed to a later contracts item on the agenda, and said that both had the option of casting a vote.

The Glenboig representative said:“We’d both declared an interest in two items mentioning SPT and went out when the consultation was discussed.

“But as soon as we went out the chamber, I said,‘I don’t know if we should be out here’.

“Although there was a mention of SPT in the consultation item, it wasn’t decision-making so there was no need to be out.

“I spent 15 to 20 minutes debating with myself and checked it out but it was my mistake.

“I told the other member that I was going back in. He went back in to the chamber but then went out again.”

Conservative leader Councillor Gallacher said:“Our member felt it best to step outside for that item to make sure he followed the rules. I believe the Labour member felt it was OK to take part in the vote so there was that difference of opinion.

“We were disappointed it went to the casting vote but that’s just how it happened.”

Mistake Councillor McPake