Dundee City Council chief warns delegate for ‘pulling faces’ behind speaker’s back

Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild chastised a delegate who was “pulling faces” at an opposing speaker.

The incident happened during a heated discussion over the conversion of a Mayfield Grove home into a residence for up to five adults with learning difficulties.

A number of neighbouring homeowners spoke at the development management committee meeting to express their concerns about the conversion, chiefly citing road safety and parking issues.

But one of the delegates took his opposition a step too far when he began gesturing and making faces at an opposing delegate.

Mr Guild, addressing the convener, Councillor Dave Bowes, said: “I’m concerned that the gentleman who was the first deputation this evening is gesturing and pulling faces behind the current speaker. Please ask him to desist.”

Mr Guild then indicated that the delegate had also been making signs behind the speaker’s back. The delegate immediately stopped and apologised to the chamber.

The debate continued and the initial application went on to narrowly pass, without amendment, by 12 votes to 10.