Angus Council’s independent councillor Bob Spink has delivered a forthright attack on the authority’s ruling alliance, claiming marginalisation and manipulation by the rainbow coalition.
Arbroath East and Lunan member Mr Spink has lodged a formal complaint with council chief executive David Sawers after being ignored for selection to an important member/officer working group.
He is also considering his future at the head of an internal scrutiny committee an appointment made just months ago in response to serious criticism of the political divisions independent experts suggested were hindering the smooth running of the authority.
Mr Spink has suggested that appointment was simply one of “convenience” and has indicated his intention to report his concerns to the Standards Commission.
But last night his allegations of mistreatment by the ruling administration were robustly rejected by alliance leader Bob Myles, who said his “door was always open” to colleagues and an approach could have resolved the situation which has caused the row.
It was the make-up of a working group to look at Scottish Government proposals for the national planning system which angered Mr Spink, but he has also taken issue with being overlooked for the selection panel to appoint the authority’s new chief executive a body he sat on when the choice of Mr Sawers was made.
“I have been proposing for some time closer consultation with elected members when responding to government consultation etc. and have raised this subject both at planning and housing meetings. It is a principle I favour,” said Mr Spink.
“Neither the alliance nor the SNP speak for me and, since I cannot nominate myself, I am excluded. “The constituents who voted for me are thus not represented and I have an issue with that for it is both unfair and undemocratic in my opinion.”Marginalised””It is clear that the administration intend to marginalise me from my position where my unique position as confirmed independent may seem to threaten their interest.
“I have paid dearly for my principles through my stance on non-political local government and that continues, having never held any position as convener or vice-convener of anything that pays any money or carries any prestige in other words I fight a lone battle. The money means little but the recognition of worth does.
“My appointment of ‘convenience’ as convener of the scrutiny and audit sub-committee seems to be expedient simply to satisfy the demands made by the Audit Commission at their last inspection and give the perception of political impartiality.
“I had thought that this would allow me to preside over a more fair yet important non-political committee. In light of these events I now must revisit my very recent appointment as convener of the scrutiny and audit sub committee as I feel I am being manipulated and plainly insulted by the alliance administration.
“I intend to now make report of all this, and strong representation to the Standards Commission in Edinburgh.”
Last night, Mr Myles said he had been “flabbergasted” by the Arbroath member’s claims.
“I feel he is simply trying to make a point in public and there are times when he has to approach me he cannot expect me to approach him,” he said.
“Nothing could be further from the truth in his suggestion that he is being marginalised. I am an independent and the fact is that we got together as an alliance for the benefit of the people of Angus.
“You have to be practical and I think we have demonstrated that party politics plays no part in Angus Council decisions-the whole ethos is to deliver what is best for the people of Angus.
“If he had indicated he’d like to serve on some committees I am sure that could have been organised.”