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New Perth and Kinross Provost calls for ban on political “point scoring”

Councillor Dennis Melloy.
Councillor Dennis Melloy.

The new Provost for Perth and Kinross began his reign with a plea to keep politics out of the council chamber.

Councillor Dennis Melloy got a standing ovation as he collected his ceremonial chain during the first meeting of the new look local authority.

He is the first Tory councillor to hold the office for more than 20 years.

Long-standing Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson was appointed the region’s Deputy Provost.

Mr Melloy, who has represented the Strathmore ward for more than a decade, thanked fellow councillors for their support.

He said: “It’s very humbling. I take this position very seriously and will endeavour to uphold the standards of this office.

“This council has always been good-natured and inclusive. Party politics and point-scoring have no place in this council and I hope that that continues, as we work to do what is best for the people of Perth and Kinross.”

Mr Melloy takes the role as council convener from Liz Grant, who stood down before the local election.

He will be called upon to carry out civic engagements and host receptions over the next five years.

Mr Wilson, who was re-elected with the largest single vote, secured the position of deputy after a challenge from SNP members.

Dave Doogan nominated fellow SNP councillor Bob Band for the role. However, his amendment was defeated in a 25-15 vote.

Council leader Ian Campbell said his predecessor Ian Miller had left the local authority in a “good financial position”.

He said he aimed to make the council “more nimble, more agile and more focused on community matters.”

There were also changes to heads of the council’s 11 decision-making committees.

Caroline Shiers was made convener of lifelong learning, while Pete Barrett will head up the new housing and communities committee.

Newly elected Colin Stewart has become convener of the environment, enterprise and infrastructure committee and the development management group – responsible for ruling on planning matters – will be led by Murray Lyle.

Mr Campbell revealed the new Tory-led administration, a partnership with Liberal Democrats and independent councillors, on Monday. There was confusion when the council’s sole Labour councillor Alisdair Baliey later announced he was not part of the administration, contrary to a statement released earlier in the day.

Local MSP Murdo Fraser congratulated Mr Melloy on his appointment.

“This partnership approach will be welcomed by local people,” he said. “It represents a fresh start for the area, with new ideas to build our economy, improve education and enhance public services, whilst ensuring value for money for local residents and businesses.

“I am particularly delighted to see my good friend Dennis Melloy elected as Provost, the first Conservative to hold that office in two decades. It is a richly deserved honour.”