Leader has no fear of council coup

Angus chief Bob Myles says he isn’t ‘watching his back’

Defiant Angus Council chief Bob Myles has said he does not fear that the knives are out for him.

The Brechin Independent said he isn’t “watching his back” after dismissing a suggestion that recent behind-the-scenes talks within corridors of power had included the possibility of a power grab.

The coalition alliance had seen two resignations in recent months – before Arbroath Independent David Fairweather made a surprise U-turn last week to rejoin the ruling group.

Speaking to The Courier, Mr Myles dismissed speculation of any coup to unseat him as “a fanciful description of open-minded free thinking”.

“I’m open to question and if anyone has suggestions I’m willing to listen,” he said.

“As long as I feel I’m doing the job to the best of my abilities and it’s satisfying everybody else then we’ll continue along this road.”

Angus Council’s leader has come out fighting over suggestions his position is under threat, stating he isn’t “watching his back”.

The Courier understands there have been discussions over several months among councillors about the possibility of Brechin Independent Bob Myles being ousted from the top role.

However, while acknowledging talks had taken place, Mr Myles said “to call it a coup was overestimating it hugely”.

Despite a turbulent period which saw the resignation of two coalition administration members – one of whom returned to the ruling fold only days ago – Mr Myles said he believed he headed a “very cohesive” group.

He branded any suggestion of a coup as a “fanciful description of people having open-minded free thinking on anything and everything”.

“Everybody questions. I question if I’m doing things right and others do the same. I’m open to question and if anyone has suggestions I’m willing to listen.” Since last May’s local elections, Mr Myles has led a rainbow alliance made up of eight Conservatives, two Liberal Democrat and most of the other Independent councillors.

Under his watch the administration lost two members last year – Carnoustie member David Cheape and Arbroath West and Letham councillor David Fairweather, who only last week confirmed his return to the ruling body in what some regarded as a surprising volte-face.

“I’m not watching my back – some politicians may be doing that at all times,” Mr Myles said.

“They used to say, the people against you are the opposition but the enemies are behind you.

“That sometimes happens in politics but I don’t feel that way with a very cohesive and solid group working with us. As long as I feel I’m doing the job to the best of my abilities and it’s satisfying everybody else then we’ll continue along this road.”

Mr Fairweather criticised the “bungled handling of recycling centres issue” when he left the administration in September.

Addressing the criticism, Mr Myles added: “We may agree to differ on that.

“We all want the best services for the council we can in light of the very difficult economic environment we are operating in.”

There have been talks among councillors about the possibility of Bob Myles being ousted.

Councillor David Fairweather has returned to the authority in what some regarded as a surprising volte-face.