Council leader says it’s business as usual after independents resign.

Move by independents leaves coalition weakened

The head of Perth and Kinross Council has insisted it is “business as usual” after three independent councillors walked out on his administration.

Xander McDade, Michael Barnacle and Rhona Brock announced they will form a new political group with sole Labour councillor Alisdair Bailey.

The shock announcement followed a controversial decision by leaders to remove Mr McDade from two committees, in favour of recently elected Conservative councillor John Duff.

The walkout means that while the Tory and Lib Dem coalition retain power, its majority has been considerably reduced.

Council leader Murray Lyle said: “It’s unfortunate, but I don’t see this as a big disaster going forward.”

He said Xander had wanted to resign in January.

“It was accepted that he could not sit on these committees as part of the administration,” he said.

“Last week was the first chance we had to remove him.”

Mr Lyle continued: “It is regrettable that the other independent councillors have decided to resign with him.

“But they have parted on good terms and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”

He added: “As far as I’m concerned it is business as usual at the council.”

SNP councillor Dave Doogan, leader of the opposition group, said he was not surprised the independent councillors had taken this decision.

He said: “It must have been bad enough being taken for granted within the Tory administration but after last Wednesday, the Tories went even further and attempted to diminish their positions as individual councillors.”

Local SNP MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney added: “After the shocking behaviour of the Tory administration of Perth and Kinross Council last week, I am not at all surprised by this move.”

As far as I’m concerned it is business as usual at the council. COUNCIL LEADER MURRAY LYLE

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Xander McDade has walked.