A spat over Angus representation on an important Tayside body which triggered accusations of “revenge politics” has bubbled back to the surface of the council chamber.
Last month saw a fall-out after Carnoustie Independent David Cheape was dropped from the post of convener of Tayside Valuation Joint Board following his decision to step down from the coalition administration of Angus Council.
He was replaced by Brechin and Edzell Conservative Gavin Nicoll after a ruling by Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor that an SNP-led move to keep opposition Mr Cheape in the role was not competent.
At the time, the ousted Carnoustie councillor said he felt he had been pushed out of a role in which he had performed well.
“In essence, despite successfully convening the Tayside Valuation Joint Board for the last nine months, forging bonds between the three member councils and building a strong relationship with the assessor and council officials of Dundee City Council who assist in administering the TVJB, I am essentially being sacked for success,” he told the meeting.
Support for Mr Cheape came from fellow Carnoustie Independent Brian Boyd who accused the administration of “revenge politics”.
Anger over the decision re-surfaced at the full meeting of the council in Forfar on Tuesday when SNP group leader Lynne Devine challenged the minute of that previous gathering, asking for the record which showed that it had been done on the grounds of political balance be removed because she said that had not been said at the time.
Provost Ronnie Proctor said he recalled giving that reason after his ruling.
Council leader Bob Myles told Ms Devine: “Others may or may not have heard that, but I clearly heard the Provost say that at the time and, to my mind, if someone’s challenging the integrity of the officers I think that’s a sad day for Angus Council.
“As far as I am concerned, this is an accurate minute before us,” said Mr Myles.
Montrose SNP councillor Bill Duff said: “I don’t think anybody on the SNP group is challenging the integrity of any officer of this council.
“None of us heard a clear articulation of the reason why our motion was not competent and that is why we are requesting that the minute be changed to accurately reflect that.”
An amendment put forward by Mr Devine to change the minute and remove the reference to political balance was defeated by 15 votes to 10.
