Moray SNP News

SNP COMMENT ON MORAY COUNCIL DISARRAY

SNP Opposition Councillors in Moray have commented on the resignation of Cllr Walter Wilson from both the Council’s Administration and the Conservative Party, citing fundamental differences on key issues and describing former Tory colleagues as ‘right wing extremists’.

Co-Leader of the SNP Opposition Cllr Graham Leadbitter said:

“It has been clear from the earliest days of this Tory/Independent Administration in Moray that there have been tensions, not just between the Tories and Independents but within the Tory group.

“Given the views expressed by some of the Conservatives I am not surprised that Cllr Wilson has found the situation unacceptable.

“We have seen no major budget proposals to date, nothing that would help move things forward and it is abundantly clear that the group is riven with infighting and indecision.

“This has been the hallmark of Conservative/Independent Coalitions in the last few years in Moray and despite constructive proposals from the SNP they have failed to take the actions that would have seen Moray in a better financial position.”

SNP colleague and Group Co-Leader Cllr Shona Morrison said:

“The SNP has a record of making solid proposals including management re-organisation and income generation that could have been implemented years ago and which could already be saving the Council millions but Independent/Tory coalitions have repeatedly failed to act and are now casting blame around rather than providing leadership.

“The resignation of Cllr Wilson exposes the deep divisions that exist in the Council’s Administration.

“Conservatives have been calling for Cllr Wilson’s resignation but they have not called for Cllr Allan’s resignation or their former Councillor and now MP Douglas Ross’ resignation, despite the fact that both of those individuals resigned from previous Tory/Independent Administrations.

“This is just hypocrisy and more diversion away from the fact that they are failing to act.

“The SNP set out serious proposals in our manifesto and I can say wholeheartedly that we would already be implementing them by now.”

SNP Councillor  Louise Laing, who shares the Speyside Glenlivet Council Ward with Cllr Wilson, said:

“As a councillor sharing a ward with Cllr Wilson I have been aware for some time that he hasn’t been entirely happy in the Tory group. I have personally found him easy to work with and I am sure that his accountancy expertise will be a significant loss to the Council’s Administration.

“It is a shame that their extreme views have driven a more pragmatic councillor out and I wish him well as an Independent we will continue to work with him where we can find shared agreement.”