Cuts-row politician accused of ‘alarm’

A senior Tory councillor who broke ranks from his party and quit in protest over secret plans to axe vital services has been accused of spreading “fear and alarm”.

Walter Wilson branded his Conservative colleagues “right-wing extremists” as he resigned from Moray Council’s ruling administration group over the proposals, which include scrapping school patrollers and public toilets.

The Speyside Glenlivet councillor – who chaired the planning committee – said he could not condone his colleagues’ “slash and burn” approach.

While Mr Wilson did not reveal the full extent of the administration’s plans to the Press and Journal – which also included mothballing

“Service cuts are forced on us by national governments”

every community centre in Moray and every library outside Elgin – his resignation prompted a robust response.

In an open letter published on the authority’s website, council leader George Alexander apologised for Mr Wilson’s comments, which he claimed had caused “fear and alarm” among staff and the public.

He wrote: “I find it most disturbing to have to lead the council during a time of such severe financial difficulties; no councillor enjoys having to make reductions in service.

“These service cuts are forced upon us by national governments and they are certainly not the fault of the people of Moray.

“Within the constraints we are facing we will do everything we can to protect jobs and services.”

Last night, the now independent strenuously denied he had leaked the specifics of the administration’s proposed cuts.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson’s opposition was shared by union leaders who promised to resist any redundancies.