Sheer hypocrisy of SNP is incredible

Dear Editor, I refer to Councillor Tom Johnston’s letter, “Third U-turn from Labour” [Advertiser, January 24].

He appears to be doing the rounds of the local newspapers with his usual cry that the SNP got the largest vote in May’s elections and should have had a major say in the council administration.

Well, let’s get this understood, the SNP did not win the May election because the independence vote, on his figures, was 38 per cent and the unionist vote was 48 per cent.

I will remind Councillor Johnston of an article in The Herald [ January 20], that the Coatbridge SNP branch is in turmoil as the faction which lost an internal vote has refused to give up power, and the new office bearers have been unable to start work having been denied access to membership lists, accounts and bank records. SNP HQ has ignored requests to intervene.

Is Councillor Johnston really trying to get us to believe that the SNP should have a major say in the working of a council with a £1 billion turnover and around 14,000 employees when they are unable to oversee the smooth running of a local branch? The sheer hypocrisy of this situation is incredible.

The Conservative group will always vote in the best interests of constituents. Where we disagree with Labour we will vote accordingly, and we have voted with the SNP on several occasions.

However, we are aware that the SNP has made it clear that they would not wish to have anything to do with the Conservative group.

So be it, but don’t then complain because you are sidelined. Sandy Watson, Conservative group business manager