Council's new Tory leaders to focus on co-operation
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Moray Council's two new joint leaders state that collaboration and co-operation will be at the centre of their approach.
Kathleen Robertson and Neil McLennan are in charge of the newly elected minority Conservative administration, which has replaced the SNP following the local elections on May 5.
Audit Scotland has stated that the previous council made progress both in stabilising finances and in tackling below-standard services.
However, the same body also criticised the poor working relationships between certain councillors, stating that this had hindered making progress on the local authority’s priorities.
Ms Robertson said: "Everybody is well aware of the Audit Scotland report and the last period of serving councillors.
"But there is positivity in the new council moving forward, and everybody working for the best for Moray."
The joint leaders say they will be focusing on getting the council’s governance structure right – an issue highlighted in the Audit Scotland report.
They add they will also concentrate on health and education.
Ms Robertson and Mr McLennan have written a joint letter to Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, seeking a meeting to discuss issues at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Mr McLennan said: "Dr Gray’s is a scandal – it’s the only word I can use."
Problems have centred around the hospital's maternity services, which were downgraded in 2018, with most mums having to travel to Aberdeen to give birth.
Ms Robertson added: "There's also an issue with the cottage hospitals.
"There are people from Forres having to travel to Keith and Buckie – and that’s not feasible long-term."
The pair say they have also put their names to a letter to Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy.
Signed by the leaders of the other 31 councils in Scotland, the letter raises concerns over local authority financing and public sector pay.
Neither Ms Robertson nor Mr McLennan have been councillors before.
Ms Robertson was elected to represent the Forres ward.
Meanwhile Mr McLennan did not have to face a vote as he was one of only three candidates to put themselves forward in Buckie.
Ms Robertson, who is a vet by trade, said: "Initially it’s overwhelming, challenging and a step change
"But it’s like coming into any new job and meeting new people.You have to build relationships, understand the mechanics of it all and learn how the system works."
Mr McLennan previously worked as a quality improvement officer before becoming service manager for secondary schools with Aberdeen City Council.
He said: "I suppose I'm a poacher turned gamekeeper. But I’m enjoying it."
With the Conservative administration consisting of only 11 councillors out of a total of 26, the pair are aware of the potential difficulties ahead.
Mr McLennan said: "The minority council poses a challenge, but the focus is on collaboration and co-operation.
"That’s what we advocated throughout the lead-up to the election.
"We are co-leaders of the Conservative group as well as co-leaders of the council.
"We want to work with other groups.
"After all, there are 26 individuals who all want the best for Moray.
"Moray is vital to the Scottish and UK economies.
"We’re on the front foot and keeping at those in Holyrood as well as Westminster, to make sure Moray is heard and we’re getting the best for the people here."
