Leading politicians in Perthshire have clashed over the much-anticipated Tay Cities Deal.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has accused council leader Murray Lyle of failing to do enough to protect the district’s interests during crucial stages of negotiations. The claim has been strongly refuted.
Concerns are growing about the £400 million package due to delays and reports the UK Government plans to slash its share.
The Scottish Government will only match fund what Westminster pays, which could lead to a gap of £120 million.
Mr Wishart has written to the council leader to ask what he is doing to protect City Deal projects in Perth and Kinross, saying he has “heard nothing” about his role in negotiations.
“It is the leader of the council that represents Perth and Kinross Council’s interests in the City Deal yet we have heard nothing from him in how he intends to secure our vital interests,” said Mr Wishart.
“The Treasury refuse to meet MPs from Tayside on a party-political basis and the secretary of state for Scotland was unable to give any clarity at the Scottish Affairs Committee, which I chair.
“We must be reassured that if MPs are to be excluded from the conversations on the future of the city deal on a party basis, that the council leader is fully engaged.
“The people of Perthshire will never forgive the Tories if all the promises of the city deal are diminished or withdrawn.
“The council now need to get its act together and ensure that the promises made to the people of Perthshire are delivered.”
But Mr Lyle, who leads the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition in the local authority, hit back at the comments, saying Mr Wishart’s dealings with the UK Government are not his responsibility.
“I have no control over the relationship Mr Wishart has with colleagues in Westminster, that is up to him,” he said.
“It would be good if he lobbied his own SNP government in Holyrood about exactly what their share of the funding will be spend on.”
Mr Lyle also insisted he is fully involved in discussion on the cities deal with politicians from both the SNP and the Conservatives.
“To give everyone assurance, I am working as hard as possible with my colleagues in Westminster,” he said.
“I have been in regular contact with them, trying to get the best deal possible for Perth and Kinross.
“I have also been working with the SNP leader of Dundee City Council to get the best deal for the whole of the region and I met with him just this week for that very reason.
“I know the Scottish and UK Governments are due to meet in the next two weeks to discuss finalising the deal and I remain hopeful about the outcome of that.”
