Moray councillor leaves Tory administration
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A Moray councillor has announced he has left the Tory minority administration and will now sit as an unaligned Conservative.
James Allan, who lives in Lossiemouth, was re-elected in May to once again represent the Heldon and Laich ward.
The 57-year-old claims that national politics is now playing too great a role in Moray.
He said: "I've had enough of the in-fighting and the bickering.
"I'm a member of the Conservative party, but I don't believe that party politics has a place in local government.
"I thought the last council was bad for political rows and arguments, but this new one is even worse."
Cllr Allan is a former convenor of Moray Council.
Referring to a former leader of the local authority who stepped down in 2014.
He said: "Alan Wright was a Conservative but when he was in charge he never mentioned party politics.
"To him being on the council meant trying to do what was best for Moray."
Cllr Allan's resignation follows that of another Conservative last month.
Cllr Neil McLennan, who represents Buckie, now sits as as Independent having lost a no-confidence vote in his role as the party's co-leader.
Responding to the latest announcement, cllr Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) said: "Everything that has happened to Moray Conservatives is entirely of their own making and has taken them from a minority administration of 11 down to nine in the last six weeks.
"This constant lack of transparency and instability from the Tory administration causes serious issues with the practical management of council business.
"This Tory turmoil at both national level and here in Moray must stop.
"They must focus on the issues at hand if we are to make positive progress for Moray."
Also responding to the announcement, Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative) said: "I am working hard as leader to foster good working relationships across parties and with all members.
"For me local government is about working for the local communities in Moray and that's my top priority as leader of the council."
