The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Chief in waiting blasts ‘cowards’
Ousted leader threatens to report councillor
Angus Council’s leader in waiting has triggered a bitter war of words with a broadside at critics of the man he aims to replace in the town hall hot seat.
In a remarkable reversal of fortune, Arbroath Independent David Fairweather is front runner to succeed Bob Myles – dumped by colleagues after a vote of no confidence.
Mr Fairweather stormed out of the ruling group in protest over the skip sites saga but, having returned to the fold, he has accused opposition colleagues of “cowardly” attacks on the departing supremo.
Mr Myles, meanwhile, has rejected claims he is hanging on to the prime role so he can enjoy“jollies” associated with the forthcoming Open golf championship in Carnoustie.
The ousted leader has threatened to report Carnoustie councillor Brian Boyd to the Standards Commission over what he says is a “personal vendetta”.
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather has emerged as the front runner to be council leader as an increasingly bitter war of words sweeps through the chamber.
The one-time administration number two has confirmed he will be bidding to succeed Brechin and Edzell member Bob Myles – ousted last week after a vote of no confidence in a “stormy” closed doors showdown.
Mr Fairweather previously walked away from the group in the “bungled” handling of the Angus skip sites shake-up.
Now he has risen to the defence of the deposed leader with criticism of opponents for what he claimed were cowardly attacks on Mr Myles.
He claims he is the victim of a personal vendetta and has fought off criticism of his remaining in the administration’s highest paid role until next month.
Mr Fairweather said: “Cowardly attacks from some non-administration members are demeaning their role as public elected servants.
“I find it shameful that certain members from Carnoustie and other burghs continue with distasteful and derogatory comments about the present administration and its current leader.
“Elected members showing respect to
It is about time we all stood back from our spats and namecalling and got on with the job we were elected to perform. COUNCILLOR DAVID FAIRWEATHER
others is a key role for them in the public domain and it is about time we all stood back from our spats and name-calling and got on with the job we were elected to perform.
“Councillor Myles has given undivided attention to this council over the six years he has been leader.”
Carnoustie Independent councillor Brian Boyd, who has called for a new leader to be put in place “sooner rather than later” said: “What I have said on this topic is neither distasteful or derogatory to the administration.
“I am on record as stating that the new leader must come with new, fresh ideas and I will lend my support to positive constructive projects that benefit Angus, so this is far from being cowardly.
“He (Mr Myles) should do the honourable thing and step aside immediately for the benefit of the administration and more importantly the residents of Angus,” said Mr Boyd.
“Taking another couple of months’ salary from the highest paid role in the administration, coupled with staying on to the get all the jollies that the Carnoustie Open will bring is simply unacceptable.”
Carnoustie Independent councillor David Cheape said: “I’m somewhat surprised that Councillor Fairweather appears to tar everyone who is not a member of the Angus administration with the same brush.
“It is in fact Mr Fairweather and his fellow members of this increasingly disjointed administration who chose to depose their leader.
“Despite taking this extreme action they appear content for him to carry on in situ for the next few month. How utterly ridiculous.”
jimillar@thecourier.co.uk