Please note: This is an old photograph taken prior to the implementation of Covid-19 restrictions.
Moray Conservatives were left astounded by the debate in todays full council meeting which determined that a rainbow alliance administration made up potentially of 50% of elected members was in the SNP’s own words undemocratic.
In recent weeks much work has been done with other councillors to bring forward proposals which would see a stronger administration in place for Moray, able to deliver and meet the challenging demands of the area moving forwards.
Cllr Eagle (Conservative Leader) said –
“I was left dumfounded by comments made by the Convenor, SNP Councillor Shona Morrison who declared that our desire to see Moray progress positively was both undemocratic and irresponsible.
“Far from and indeed quite the opposite, my colleagues and I welcome the opportunity to debate at any time and indeed to work with anyone for the benefit of Moray. No one in our group is under a party whip nor do we have to accede to the demands of a central office or hierarchy. Indeed, putting local issues at the focus of our efforts is the priority of the Moray Conservatives, leaving national politics to those in the correct establishments.
“My group and the independent councillors who shared this similar vision are very much driven by the recent Best Value report, not just the recent report but those preceding it which clearly highlighted the need for much greater strategic leadership within the council to drive much needed policies forwards and the changes required to bring the council into the 21st century in its governance model.
“Effective scrutiny is something vital whether in administration or opposition and attempts by recent chairs to introduce a Scrutiny Charter as used by most other local authorities has failed, which is a detriment to openness and transparency in delivering vital public services.
“Time and time again the public are told that we ran away from the responsibility of running the administration. This has been well documented and clearly the SNP will never promote the real truth behind the reasons for change at that time.
“Today’s motion to council was not a power grab or a political ploy but a very real desire to see the council move forwards with the very difficult choices which lay ahead.
“Since the resignation of Cllr Taylor from the SNP Administration many times have we been asked by others as to why we are not seeking the administration and stepping up to the plate. Hand on heart I can say that we have been actively discussing this with other elected members. With the view of not just working stronger for Moray but delivering much needed stability throughout the organisation.
“The very people who told us we should be taking control are the ones who have voted against the proposal to do so."
“My group and I can assure the public of Moray that they are our focus and the changing of the governance model was proposed to best deliver the decisions needed to progress and modernise the council and the same time deliver the best levels of service for the best value across the area.”
