The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Council’s Tory leader switches allegiances
Politics: Gifford and two colleagues to join independents group
A new leader is to be appointed at Aberdeenshire Council following a surprise change in three members’ political allegiances.
Jim Gifford, who currently heads up the local authority, is to step down from the role in November.
He is one of three people who announced last night they will no longer be sitting on the council as Scottish Conservatives.
Mr Gifford, Jeff Hutchison and Lesley Berry have now joined the aligned independents group, which is also part of the coalition administration with the Liberal Democrats.
Explaining his decision, Mr Gifford said he believes party politics “too often gets in the way of getting things done, especially at a local level”.
The council’s Conservative group held its annual general meeting on Saturday, where Andy Kille was elected as its new leader.
He will shadow Mr Gifford for the next five months, with a view to taking over the post when the change in leadership is put before a meeting of the full council in November.
Liberal Democrat group leader Peter Argyle will remain as deputy leader of the council.
Mr Gifford said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to have led the Aberdeenshire Conservative group for almost nine years and I wish Andy all the very best as he takes on that role.
“We are in the middle of the most difficult situation with the low oil price exacerbating the Covid-19 situation.
“I want to focus my attention on where we are just now, as we have a really challenging time ahead and nothing other than difficult decisions to make.
“I have often thought politics gets in the way of some decisions.”
Mr Gifford said: “At this stage in my life and political career, I think that I can best serve the people of Aberdeenshire, and especially the residents of the Mid Formartine ward who elected me, by working as an independent councillor and stepping back from political affiliation within the council.”
Mrs Berry said: “After the Conservative councillors elected a new group leader, I felt that the interests of my constituents would be best met by me operating in a non-political forum.
“This would enable my energies to be focused on continuing to serve my community and playing my part in helping address the challenges of the current Covid-19 pandemic, now and in the years ahead.”