Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Council member resigns, citing ‘unhealthy culture’
A LEADING member of Angus Council stepped down after claiming there is an “unhealthy culture” at the top of the authority.
Colleagues were left “saddened and downhearted” by the shock decision from Arbroath and East Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed.
One of the highest-profile members of the ruling group, Ms Speed submitted her resignation yesterday but will continue to represent her ward.
She declined to elaborate on why she believed the administration operated in an “unhealthy” way. She said: “My commitment to my ward and Angus remains firm. However, it is no longer possible to work within what I perceive to be an unhealthy culture.
“I am grateful to those in the administration who have supported me. It has been rewarding to achieve positive results for the residents of Angus.
“It is my intention to continue being a strong voice, representing constituents as an Independent councillor.”
Administration leader David Fairweather, also an Independent, said: “I am extremely saddened and downhearted at receiving Lois’s resignation.
“Her contribution and enthusiasm for what she believes in have been exemplary. Together we have achieved much, especially in the areas of health for the disabled, disadvantaged and equal opportunities, which was a Lois passion.
“However, the administration goes forward as a group and the door is open for Lois at any time.”
He said he did not know what Councillor Speed was referring to when she described an “unhealthy culture”.
He said: “As a group we have always worked well together. It’s not easy when you have Independent and coalition members in the coalition.”
He added: “An Independent always likes to be seen as an Independent. It’s something I don’t understand.
“If you go into local government the only way you achieve things is by being in the administration.
“That means you have got to work with other parties.
“That’s a given.”