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Moray Conservatives criticised over libraries statement





A withdrawn statement from the Conservatives about Moray’s libraries has been called “shambolic” by opposition councillors.

Issued at 2pm yesterday, the release quoted Councillor Kathleen Robertson and Depute Leader Councillor Donald Gatt and stated that a plan to close seven of Moray’s 12 libraries was “no longer on the table”.

Picture: Tyler McNeill.
Picture: Tyler McNeill.

However, three hours later, a party spokesperson withdrew the statement and said: “We apologise for any confusion that has been created by the earlier release”.

The Conservatives sent an updated statement, centring on the administration’s decision to oppose the original plans for library closures and have now apologised further.

A Tory spokesperson said: "We apologise for the release that was initially issued yesterday.

“This should have made it clear that this was on behalf of the Moray Conservative group. It was retracted by the party immediately when they were informed of this oversight.

"Councillor Robertson and Councillor Gatt had no prior oversight of the comment."

A further joint statement, signed by both councillors added: “ The facts are that the Moray Conservative Group cannot support the Library Closure proposals which have just been consulted upon and are actively seeking to find a way to transform the service.

“A draft release around our thoughts was issued in error and as soon as we realised the mistake we retracted and re-issued the correct messaging.

“The Council had no involvement in any of this messaging and was entirely an error from the Conservatives.

“We do really appreciate the return of views from the Public and are actively working with Officers to find an alternative solution.

“Whilst acknowledging that the Council has still to receive information on its financial settlement for next year and we have still some way to go before we determine our budget at the end of February.

“Again, we apologise for the mixed messages yesterday and any confusion or upset this may have caused.”

Councillor Scott Lawrence, SNP group leader, said the first statement “caused chaos amongst employees, fellow councillors and the wider public”, before the update caused further confusion.

Cllr Lawrence accused the administration of “bypassing council procedures” and U-turning on the closures after the Scottish Government announced extra cash for local councils, while “attempting to take credit for this lifeline”.

He added: “As a council we decided to enter a consultation around library services, we did so on the understanding that budget savings needed to be made as austerity continues.

“Following the Scottish Government announcing an extra £1 billion for local governments in last week’s budget, it seems the Conservative group are attempting to take credit for this lifeline whilst bypassing council procedures.

“Whatever decisions we make as councillors, communication is always vital, yesterday’s events were shambolic and left the Tory administration with a lot of questions to answer.”

The Moray Conservatives have been approached for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication.

However, it is understood that senior administration group councillors have offered personal apologies to campaigners.

SNP group depute leader Councillor Sonya Warren said it was “shocking” that the public, employees and other councillors “found out about this U-turn from a story in the press”.

She added: “To then withdraw the statement hours later has left people confused and worried about what the Conservative group are up to.

“As an SNP group, we have been listening to our communities and it's clear the effect library closures would have.

“It’s so disappointing to see those who worked so hard to save their libraries be treated like this.

“Attempted political posturing seems to have been the priority of the Conservative group.

“I just really feel for the campaigners and employees who have been left in limbo, the Conservative group have caused a lot of anger through their actions."

Criticism of the statement was not unique to the SNP, with Labour group leader Councillor Sandy Keith accusing the administration of “trying to disown and blame officers” for the libraries plan.

“This is another shambles from the Tory-led Moray Council which they are now trying to disown and blame officers in the process,” he said.

“Let’s be clear, this is a Tory mess.

“They now ask the people of Moray to believe that they in fact oppose the proposals which their council is proposing.

“It was clear from the outset that these proposals were never going to get the backing of the people of Moray – we should not be wasting any more time on them.

“Libraries are a hugely important resource in our communities.

“We should be encouraging greater use of libraries and making it easier to do so. Going forward we need to develop the service in line with community needs and expectations.”

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead described the situation as “simply astonishing”.

"We've seen total chaos from Moray Tories playing politics, telling us our libraries are safe and less than 12 hours later they are retracting their statement,” he added.

"It is completely shambolic, and they are letting down our local campaigners, the public and librarians and council employees."


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