Logue fury at taunts of ‘Red Tories’ Labour deny SNP claims of pact

Labour’s Jim Logue described the North Lanarkshire SNP Group as ”not fit for purpose” after he was elected as council leader.

The new leader, along with his deputy Paul Kelly, also hit back at claims they had reached a deal with the Conservative Group in the council chamber as the Tories voted for Labour candidates for both the positions of council leader and Provost.

Councillor Logue said: “At no time did we attempt to form a pact or agreement with the Conservatives.

“The SNP have 33 councillors out of 77 yet claim to have a democratic mandate.

“They think their 33 outweigh 44 other councillors.

“The Conservatives and SNP were in formal coalitions in councils such as Dumfries and Galloway in 2012. It’s puerile, pathetic and smacks of hypocrisy.

“If they had got 39 councillors and won an overall majority there would be no questions asked.

“They kept telling me they were coming back with a majority, the election result was a disappointment for them.

“No matter how many times I say no deal has been done, they will and continue with this Red Tories nonsense.

“I have fought 11 election campaigns and have absolutely nothing in common with the Tories but they are entitled to express their opinion in the chamber.”

Councillor Logue was elected by 41 votes to 33 after winning support form his own party, the Tories and independent councillor Alan Beveridge.

The SNP’s David Stocks secured the backing of his own party but it wasn’t enough for victory.

Murdostoun’s independent member Robert McKendrick abstained from the vote.

Councillor Logue also insisted that privately there were some within the SNP pleased their party did not form the new administration.

He also claimed three members of the SNP Group had told him they were planning to leave their party.

He said: “The SNP Group are totally dysfunctional.

“I know some members in there that are privately delighted that the SNP haven’t formed the administration. They are not fit for purpose.

“The Tories are the Tories. We don’t know their policies and what is important to them locally. I have never had a conversation with them.

“We have a lot of ambitious plans in terms of our house building programme and creating jobs thanks to the City Deal and re-developing Ravenscraig, Eurocentral and Gartcosh.”

Meanwhile, North Lanarkshire elected their first female Provost after Labour’s Jean Jones was elected to the position.

Councillor Jones, who, as Provost, will chair meetings of the council and serve as first citizen of North Lanarkshire, said: “I am honoured to be chosen as Provost and very proud to be the first female Provost in North Lanarkshire.

“I will represent the people to the very best of my ability.”

Labour councillor Tom Castles was elected as Provost Jones’ deputy.