Angus Council’s under-pressure leader has admitted he could step away from the role within weeks.
In a dramatic development that could see the local authority seek its third leader in less than two years, Arbroath independent councillor David Fairweather signalled a new year council reshuffle.
He said everything could be up for grabs including his own top post.
The prospect of another power shake-up was initially prompted by the resignation from the rainbow alliance of disgraced Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Moore for inappropriate conduct towards four females at an event last October.
Senior sources said the administration has now been hit with the threatened resignation of Montrose and District Independent councillor Tommy Stewart.
Both Mr Moore and Mr Stewart hold senior posts and the departure of one, followed by the possible departure of another, have thrown the alliance into disarray.
Mr Fairweather said: “After six months as leader of the council, I am reviewing all of the roles in the administration, and that includes my own.
“I expect this review will be completed early in the new year.
“It is vital that the right people are in the right posts to ensure that everything is being done to mitigate the council’s severe financial pressures.
“With another budget in the pipeline, the administration has a lot on its plate, and extremely difficult decisions to make, and the fact is that we cannot sit back and be complacent.
“I am currently in discussion with Councillor Stewart regarding his continued role as vice convener of communities, however, at the present time he has not resigned.
Mr Fairweather took over the reins of the local authority after the previous leader, Brechin and Edzell independent councillor Bob Myles was ousted after a vote of no confidence following a “stormy” and “brutal” meeting behind closed doors.
Carnoustie and District independent councillor Brian Boyd said: “I am surprised to find out there could be a full-scale reshuffle of the Angus Alliance.
“There have been too many of these over the last 18 months, and some form of stability is required in these very challenging and difficult times.
“I feel the new leader, David Fairweather has not had long enough in the role to try and resolve all the difficult political issues going on, and needs more time to try and sort out the problems that the council faces.”
Mr Stewart refused to confirm or deny that he had tendered his resignation but underlined that he remained a part of the administration.
