The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Opposition parties in ascendancy as bid to oust pair backfires
Local authority leader had called extraordinary meeting to address ‘political imbalance’
Opposition parties have seized a tighter control of Perth and Kinross Council after a bid to oust two rogue councillors dramatically backfired.
Colin Stewart and Callum Purves were suspended from the Conservativeled administration last month, after a series of complaints were made about their conduct.
It followed a chaotic meeting of the Perth and Kinross Integration Joint Board (IJB) earlier this summer.
Local authority leader Murray Lyle called an extraordinary meeting yesterday to address a “political imbalance” and have Mr Stewart and Mr Purves removed from the board.
However, his motion was challenged by opposition members who put forward an amendment that not only allowed the two councillors to remain on the IJB, but also replaced several administration councillors on various other groups.
As the suspension had left the Conservative/Liberal Democrat administration with a minority ruling, the amendment was voted through 21 to 19.
It means that from October 4, Mr Stewart will become chairman of the IJB.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Lyle said: “I absolutely believe that I have behaved appropriately throughout, and it is unfortunate that not all of my companions think the same way.
“If we can’t appoint our members on to our own committees, then it becomes a challenge for the administration and that is a challenge we will have to look at over the coming days.”
He stressed that he was obliged to call yesterday’s meeting, not to discuss the pair’s suspension, but to address the administration’s minority status. The approved committee changes: Dave Doogan (SNP) replaces an administration councillor on Perth Harbour Board.
Callum Purves replaces an administration councillor on Horsecross Executive Committee.
Tom McEwan (SNP) replaces an administration councillor on Live Active Leisure Ltd.
Colin Stewart to be made chairman of Perth and Kinross IJB, from October 4.
Sheila McCole (SNP) replaces Peter Barrett (Lib Dem) on East of Scotland European Consortium.
She also replaces Anne Jarvis (Conservative) on Scotland Excel Joint Committee.
Xander McDade (Independent) replaces an administration councillor on Community Planning Partnership Board.
It is unfortunate that not all of my companions think the same way. MURRAY LYLE