SNP take control of council after cut of cards tie-breaker
Highest number wins amid row over tax rise
AN attempt by SNP councillors to take over Argyll and Bute Council succeeded yesterday – but it came down to a cut of the cards. The council had been run by the The Argyll, Lomond and Islands Group (Talig), which is comprised of Tory, LibDem and independent councillors, for 11 years.
But a special full council meeting yesterday, the vote for both provost and leader were tied 18-18, forcing a cut of the cards under the rules for such a scenario for a political appointment.
The highest card determined the successful candidates in both votes.
Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North), who had been provost at the start of the meeting, drew the two of diamonds. Councillor Douglas Philand (Independent, Mid Argyll) drew the eight of spades, making him the new provost.
For leader of the council, in alphabetical order Councillor Robin Currie (LibDem, Kintyre and the Islands) drew the six of spades.
Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) drew the 10 of spades, making him the new leader.
Fifteen councillors, all members of the Strategic Opposition Partnership – 12 SNP, two independents and one Labour – called for the special meeting after a furious row over the council’s vote in February in favour of a 10% increase in Council Tax.
They said that they wanted to see a new provost and council leader appointed following the row, as they accused council leaders of choosing “to play petty politics” instead of engaging with the Scottish Government.
It is anticipated that that increase will be reversed at a further special meeting of the full council, which is due to take place on Monday, April 15.