A former SNP Angus councillor has claimed that “party and tribal politics” contributed to his stepping down from office.
Ron Scrimgeour, who used to represent Forfar and is now chairman of the Angus Mental Health Association (AMHA) and treasurer of the local branch of Age Concern, took a swipe at Angus Alliance the coalition of independent councillors that runs the county.
In a strike against the council’s operating system, he called for the issue of “so-called independent” and Alliance policies to be clarified before the local government elections next year.
He said, “Independence’ means free from any outside control or allegiance and Councillor Bob Spink has earned the respect of many throughout Angus, for his independent and well thought out contribution to Angus county life.
“One of the reasons I stood down at the 2007 election was that I felt that there was too much party and tribal politics in local government and this view was shared by councillors Myles, Mackintosh and Leslie Melville.
“How very disappointing it has been to see the Angus Alliance acting in a much more tribal and dictatorial manner since 2007 and treating all non-Alliance members with contempt in the council chamber and the press.
“Alliance councillors can dispel the accusation that they are not independent by citing any and all the instances when they have voted against their conveners at Angus Council committees and full council meetings.
“It is amusing but sad to see the Alliance councillors who have mainstream party allegiance scurrying around with their party colours at Westminster and Holyrood elections competing against their Alliance colleagues.”
Mr Scrimgeour claimed that, in addition to a leader, deputy and secretary, the Angus Alliance has weekly group meetings to decide on voting strategy and a party “whip” to control voting.
He said, “The only thing the Alliance lacks is a true mandate from the people of Angus. At no time during the 2007 campaign was there any suggestion that rivals would sit together and share the power exclusively.
“The bitterness that is operating in the council chamber and outside has led to many complaints to the Standards Commission and comments from Audit Scotland. This issue needs to be addressed once and for all.”