Questioning provost’s morals

SCOTTISH LIBERAL Democrat leader Willie Rennie has backed Councillor Tim Brett after he questioned the morals of new provost Jim Leishman when it emerged he lives outside Fife.

The Courier revealed on Saturday that the Pars legend’s Keltybridge home on the wrong side of the border with Perth and Kinross.

The leader of Fife’s Lib Dem councillors swiftly issued a statement saying it is morally questionable for Leishman to take the £28,000 provost’s salary when he doesn’t pay council tax to Fife Council.

The outburst appeared to put Tim Brett at odds with Willie Rennie, who described Leishman’s appointment as “an inspired choice.”

It is understood that Mr Leishman’s home is just yards from the border between Fife and Perth and Kinross.

In order to be eligible to stand for election

“Tim Brett is right to ask questions as that’s the role of a councillor.”

Willie Rennie

in Fife, the provost gave his address as East End Park, the home of Dunfermline Athletic, where he is director of football.

Fife Council’s chief executive Ronnie Hinds said: “Election legislation states there is nothing to stop someone who does not live in Fife from being elected as a Fife councillor. Councillors must either live or have worked in the local authority area for at least a year before the date of nomination. Jim Leishman clearly meets this requirement.”

Ronnie Hinds, chief executive of Fife Council, said of Mr Leishman: “His commitment to Fife is well known and will provide an excellent platform for his role as provost and an ambassador for Fife.

“I’m confident that Jim will do a fantastic job in promoting everything that Fife has to offer.”

The Courier contacted Councillor Brett for further comment but he failed to respond.