The selection of a “strong, competent voice” for Angus Council on the board of NHS Tayside split the local authority at the last meeting of full council before summer recess.
The role, which attracts a responsibility allowance, became vacant with the resignation of Conservative administration councillor Derek Wann.
Former council leader, Independent councillor Bob Myles, was earmarked for the spot following a vot.
His appointment must now be ratified by Scottish Government ministers
However, the nomination was opposed by SNP group leader councillor Lynne Devine, who proposed fellow SNP councillor Julie Bell for the post.
She also slammed the administration attendance record at NHS Tayside board meetings, saying: “We have all had the advantage of hearing about Councillor Bell’s background which is very pertinent to the health board post.
“She has wide knowledge of the health service and of social care through her work in the council. But best of all, she will turn up.”
She said the administration had failed to represent Angus at four meetings out of five — and that at the one which did have a presence the representative left before a crucial mental health review agenda item.
“This at a time when the Health Board is in such financial difficulty and when the people of Angus have needed a strong, competent voice,” she added.
“Since this administration came to power we have had two representatives on the health board. Now we are looking for a third.
“I would suggest to you the amount of work required in terms of reading the papers, attending the very long meetings and various sub-committees would be difficult for Councillor Myles who has stated publicly that he is finding it too much to be leader and farmer and therefore stood down.”
The appointment was also criticised by Carnoustie and district Independent councillor Brian Boyd, who said: “Councillor Myles previously stated in The Courier ‘It has proved very difficult juggling the full-time role of farming with the full-time role of being leader of the council’.
“He should do the honourable thing and do the best for Angus and his constituents.”
The nomination went to the vote, with Councillor Myles winning by 17 votes to 11.
