Missed meetings row

An SNP councillor accused Tory members of snubbing planning panel meetings.

Athough the panel is a nonpolitical body, with a balance of political party representation, Councillor Susan McGill’s claims sparked a political spat.

She claimed this week that Stirling East councillor Bryan Flannagan is stepping down from the panel because of commitments in a new full-time job.

And she added that Forth and Endrick councillor Alistair Berrill had skipped a planning panel meeting despite the agenda including an application he had referred to it.

Councillor McGill said: “The Tory group on Stirling Council is costing the local taxpayer almost £150,000 in salaries every year and it is a disgrace that they appear to continually decide to place their priorities elsewhere.

“An ordinary worker is expected to put their employment responsibilities first so why should this be any different for Tory councillors?”

She added: “It would be an affront to the many people they have offended through their online behaviour if either of the disgraced Tory councillors Majury or Davies were to replace a Tory councillor who has decided to put their focus elsewhere instead of on the council’s committees/panels representing their constituents.

“Stirling Tory leader Neil Benny must get his house in order and make assurances that this will not happen.

“People across Stirling will not forgive such a move.”

Councillor Benny described the comments as “garbage” and pointed out SNP councillors also have to miss meetings themselves.

“Let’s be honest,” he said. “Councillors have to miss some meetings for a variety of reasons, whether it be for personal, health or other commitments.

“I’m sure that some of her SNP colleagues who have missed meetings must have had good reasons.

“Councillor McGill is creating a fake indignance to make a petty party point but is just coming across as rather silly.

“She may have put her foot in it with her colleagues, such as Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, who missed a planning meeting he is paid to chair, and Councillor Graham Houston who has told us he will miss a crucial social care board.

“They don’t enjoy the big payments she receives from sitting on the lucrative NHS board.

“I’m sure she will never miss any meetings over the next five years.”

He linked the the accusations to the SNP’s performance since taking over the administration of the council with Labour.

“I wish they would stop wasting everyone’s time with this garbage and at least try and act like an administration,” he said.

“It has so far been an underwhelming performance but I fear it is unlikely to improve. Instead of being focused on running the council their inexperienced team are focused on trivia and petty party politics.

“Stirling Council has a big financial challenge in front of it as well as tremendous opportunities through the city region deal.

“With performances like this I think we should all be worried about the capability of the SNP to lead Stirling over the forthcoming years.”

She is creating a fake indignance to make a petty party point