Official’s comments erased in ‘petty’ row

Lib Dem leader in Perth and Kinross removed from housing press release after party gets ejected

The leader of the Perth and Kinross Liberal Democrat group claims he is being “airbrushed from history” after his party was kicked off the council’s administration.

Peter Barrett’s comments were erased from a press release announcing work on 70 new local authority homes on the edge of Perth.

His statement welcoming the £9 million project was replaced by similar words from council leader Murray Lyle.

A photograph showing Mr Barrett helping to cut the soil at the Huntingtower development was not shared by the council’s media team.

Mr Barrett, who is the council’s housing convener, said he had also been cropped out of a photograph tweeted yesterday afternoon by an official council account.

He described the tweet as a “ludicrous attempt to airbrush me out of history”, adding: “It’s all so very petty.”

The Conservatives ejected the Liberal Democrats from the administration earlier this month, following the shock suspension of two Tory councillors.

Mr Barrett issued a draft press release on the new Huntingtower homes yesterday morning – including his photo and comments – ahead of the official release.

He said: “Until I am replaced as convener of housing and communities I intend to fulfil that role, which involves highlighting the excellent work of the housing team, and the significant investment of over £9 million in the council’s biggest new housing development on what is Scottish Housing Day.”

Mr Lyle confirmed Mr Barrett’s comments were removed from the press release as he was no longer part of the administration.

The row overshadowed yesterday’s new homes announcement. The development, being progressed by Barrett Homes, forms part of the larger Huntingtower Park on the western fringe of Perth.

It is the largest housing project undertaken by the council since the start of its new-build programme launched in 2011.

David Palmer, managing director for Barratt North Scotland, said: “Huntingtower is our first development in the Perth area for some time and the level of interest we have received shows that quality new-build homes in the area are in significant demand.

“As one of Scotland’s leading housebuilders we’re committed to delivering affordable homes in the communities we serve and doing our bit to deliver Scotland’s ambitious housing targets.

“We’re therefore very excited to be working with Perth and Kinross Council to deliver these new homes for the Perth community.”

(It is) a ludicrous attempt to airbrush me out of history. COUNCILLOR PETER BARRETT