The sole Independent convener of a committee of Angus Council has backed provost Helen Oswald in her handling of the Twittergate row.
Senior councillor Bob Spink, who chairs the authority’s scrutiny and audit committee, said he believed Mrs Oswald was correct to rule as not competent a motion put forward by a non-administration group condemning Montrose member Bill Duff for a June tweet suggesting No voters in the upcoming independence referendum were second-class Scots.
Critics say they now intend to bring forward a motion of no confidence in Mrs Oswald, but Mr Spink said he is dismayed the row is rumbling on.
“As a senior councillor and the only independent committee convener, I viewed the motion put forward as simply political mischief quite unsuitable for council debate,” said Mr Spink.
“I did not attend the meeting, but I agree with the decision of the provost, which was no surprise to me.
“But I would express some surprise at the motion being accepted by law and administration in the first place, if that was the case.
Once the ruling of not competent was made by the provost, then rightly no debate or comment would be allowed.
“Any complaint against an individual councillor should be made to the Standards Commission, the body set up for this purpose.”
He continued: “I did not agree with Councillor Duff’s ill-judged comments that started this spat in any way, but … I would defend his right to air these feelings publicly.
“I am disturbed that this has been blown out of all proportion and unworthy of such attention attention which can only result in damaging the reputation of the council yet again, and with no gain.”