The new depute provost of Angus Council is to report two colleagues to the Standards Commission over claims of “unacceptable behaviour” after his election.
Carnoustie independent councillor Brian Boyd was voted in as deputy to incoming Provost Alex King at a meeting of the full council in Forfar.
His nomination by Council Leader Iain Gaul was backed by 17 members against nine in favour of Forfar councillor Colin Brown.
Councillor Boyd, who said he “humbly accepted” the post in tribute to fellow ward councillor, the late Helen Oswald, has now hit out at Bob Myles and David Fairweather, who he said brought Angus Council “into disrepute” with “a tirade of verbal abuse”.
He added: “They then tried to oust me from the role of convener of Scrutiny and Audit that I have been caretaker of (as vice-convener) for most of this year, marginalising me from my fellow councillors in a threatening and intimidating manner.
“This is unacceptable behaviour for those who hold a position in public life and only brings Angus Council into disrepute.”
Described in the chamber by Councillor Fairweather as “SNP independent”, Councillor Boyd said his voting record had been called into question.
He said he had never been a member of the Angus Alliance, the multi-party bloc of councillors that formed an administration between 2007 and 2012.
“For the record I vote with professional officers — not the SNP,” he said.
“Former members of the Angus Alliance continually waste local taxpayers’ money in creating unnecessary amendments to council.”
Councillor Fairweather said: “I find it astounding that probably the most unpopular depute provost in the history of Angus Council, in the eyes of his fellow non-administration colleagues and their votes, that he wishes to report two elected members for opinions and freedom of speech to the Standards Commission, at great cost and a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“May I also ask why he is so worried about his voting record, and challenge him to let the public scrutinise what we have achieved in office.
“I am at a loss at his comment that public money has been wasted on council reports and can only surmise the new depute provost does not understand the role of scrutiny or democracy.
“Perhaps he should grow a thicker skin and get on with what the SNP elected him to do.
“Going public to the press on reporting councillors is certainly not befitting his new status as this should be kept confidential.”
Councillor Myles said he is happy to answer any questions that may come from the Standards Commission, which enforces codes of conduct in Scottish public life.
He said: “I’ve said and done nothing wrong to bring the council into disrepute, and I think Councillor Boyd should look to his own comments in the chamber.
“The only thing I said in the chamber was to commend Councillor Colin Brown as the Vice-Provost, as I feel he would have the gravity to be an excellent representative of the council.”
