City stalwart ‘sacked’ over attendance
ASENIOR Labour councillor has been “sacked” for failing to attend any council meetings in the past six months. Jim Coleman – former interim council leader, former deputy Labour group leader and one of the longest-serving city councillors in Scotland – has automatically lost his seat for non-attendance.
Mr Coleman was a member of six committees but has not attended any since at least last July.
It means he is the second councillor this year to fall foul of the rule that states if they don’t attend at least once in six months they lose their position.
Earlier this month the Glasgow Times revealed how former Conservative councillor Tony Curtis lost his seat after he failed to attend even once in six months.
A by-election will now be held in the Baillieston ward to replace Mr Coleman after a council career that spanned five decades.
He had been a councillor since the inception of Glasgow City Council in 1995 and was first elected under the old two-tier district and regional council system in 1988.
Mr Coleman was a member of six committees he was required to attend, as well as the full council when it meets.
His membership included the key committees of licensing and environment and sustainability.
He failed to attend any one of 44 committee meetings between July and December last year.
Mr Coleman said: “I am deeply disappointed to be leaving the council after 33 years in this fashion. I had intended to continue to serve my community until the council elections in 2022. I have been caught out by legislation which fails to recognise the work that I have continued to do and have always done in my community.
“I wish my council colleagues, particularly those in the Labour Group, all the best for the future.”
Mr Coleman has held numerous senior posts during the time Labour were in power at the city chambers.
Malcolm Cunning, leader of the Glasgow Labour Group, said: “This is not the end of a remarkable 33year career in local government that I, or anyone else who knows Jim Coleman, would have hoped for.
“He has continued to actively represent his constituents in Baillieston throughout the pandemic but has fallen foul of strict and unforgiving legislation.
“From the time that I was first elected, Jim has been a constant source of advice, ideas and wise council. There are few councillors who are held in such respect and genuine affection both within the City Chambers and the community they represent.”
Previously Mr Coleman had a very good attendance record. In 2019 he was present at 91% of all committees he was a member of. The previous year, in 2018, he was present at 71%.
However, in 2020 he attended just 30% and all took place in the first half of the year.