Moray’s Conservative Leader condemns attack on Moray Council by SNP MSP Richard Lochhead at Holyrood
Moray Council’s Conservative leader has condemned comments made by Moray’s MSP in the Scottish Parliament. Speaking in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament yesterday Richard Lochhead MSP asked the Finance Minister Derek Mackay whether his officials would interview the Leader of Moray Council because of comments he made about the Council facing possible bankruptcy.
Cllr Tim Eagle (Buckie ward) said, “I almost can’t believe what Richard Lochhead said. I have said time and time again that Moray Council is facing a financial crisis due to repeated cuts by the Scottish Government in our Budget Settlement over many years. This is not to frustrate the public it is to make sure we put information in the public domain so they understand the position the Council is in. I don’t want to argue who is to blame, I want everyone in Moray is get on with finding the best way forward and together find way of attaining our priorities and keeping services operational. However our own MSP instead of joining us to urge a better settlement attacks the Council leader for speaking the truth. Why would you not just recognise the difficulties a small local authority like Moray is having and help us find a solution.”
“Mr Lochhead has been the MSP for Moray for ten years during which time the Scottish Government has been run by the SNP. Why has he not used his undoubted influence to help the council instead of attacking it? Why is he not listening to the views of local people concerned about local services and why has he allowed funding to be poured into the Central Belt while Moray has been starved of resources? Moray is a rural area with unique challenges but we get no help with that. We need an MSP who is willing to work with the Council, not against it, to ensure the services for the future.”