Transparency concern over council chief’s French trip

Leader denies any impropriety at lavish event attended by political figures

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander was entertained at a VIP dinner sponsored by a firm later named on a major construction project, it has been revealed.

Mr Alexander was among a host of top Scottish politicians treated to champagne and veal at the selfdescribed “unaffected and confidential” Hotel Le Gray d’Albion resort in Cannes on March 12.

The exclusive event was attended by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, the leaders of Glasgow and Edinburgh City Councils and Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council. Scottish Government officials were also present.

The £208-per-head bill, which included £2,110.50 for drinks such as Fouquet’s Brut Champagne, was sponsored by Glasgow-based architecture firm Austin-Smith:Lord.

The company has since announced a contract to provide “urban planning, landscape and architecture” on a multi-phase construction project to “transform” a section of Dundee’s Perth Road.

The work was developed using Scottish Government funding, administered through the sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Mr Alexander, who attended the dinner in Cannes as chairman of the Scottish Cities Alliance but also discussed opportunities in Dundee, insisted he did not speak to representatives of Austin-Smith:Lord about the project at the event.

The meal was part of a £260,000 “Team Scotland” programme for delegates at the exclusive property investment conference MIPIM but was left off a detailed schedule produced by government organisers. Guests were invited by Scottish Enterprise.

It does not appear in the Scottish Parliament’s lobbying register or the published register of interests of any of the politicians involved, including Mr Alexander.

But the council leader said the visit would be included in his register when it is next updated by council officials.

Kevin Keenan, leader of the Scottish Labour group in Dundee, insisted councillors “must be open and transparent in every transaction they do.

“The public have the right to know of any hospitality taken by any councillor

and the level of spend that has been given in kind to them and from whom,” he said.

West End Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson said he was “astonished” any member would accept such “lavish” hospitality.

He added: “It is important and not optional that all councillors properly and promptly declare anything of this nature in their register of interests and confirm the value of the corporate hospitality received.”

According to online publication The Ferret, senior figures from two construction firms currently awaiting planning permission for major Edinburgh developments were represented at the meal, along with the capital’s council leader.

Robertson Group, the construction giant building at the controversial Site Six development on Dundee waterfront, was also in attendance.

Ministerial briefing notes released through a Freedom of Information request show Finance Secretary Derek Mackay was told to encourage conversations about “interests and curiosity in specific projects” held by the private firms.

The Scottish Government said such events and engagements “are routine and a normal part of ministerial duties”.

A spokesperson added: “Over the last decade, attendance at MIPIM, as well as similar events, has directly contributed to £2 billion of investment in Scotland’s cities, helping to support jobs and businesses.”

Mr Alexander vowed to “continue to represent Dundee at any events which are appropriate” and insisted his attendance at the MIPIM event could have a “potentially beneficial effect on the city”.

He said: “The dinner/reception was sponsored, not hosted by a company, in a similar fashion to events such as the Dundee Design Festival drinks reception, V&A opening events or Courier Business Awards.

“They are worthwhile and while its easy to sensationalise, the fact is it matters how proactive a city is.

“I would never be involved in any particular negotiations or discussions about specific proposals as that is the role of council officers, not elected members.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Cities Alliance said it was “not aware of any lobbying occurring at the event”.

The fact is it matters how proactive a city is. JOHN ALEXANDER

Picture: Kim Cessford. Dundee City Council leader John Alexander.

Picture: Getty. The VIP dinner was held at Cannes on the French Riviera: