Labour group leaders says Ian Borthwick would have been ‘people’s choice’ for Dundee lord provost

As the SNP group get ready for Dundee City Council’s statutory meeting where they will nominate Bob Duncan for lord provost, the leader of the Labour group has accused them of missing a chance.

Kevin Keenan said the administration should have opted for Scotland’s longest serving councillor Ian Borthwick instead.

He said: ”I believe the administration, in rushing to take positions, have wasted an opportunity for Dundee to deliver the people’s choice of lord provost, who I believe would be Councillor Ian Borthwick.

”It would have been a very fitting tribute for Ian to be recognised for his efforts over the years by receiving the chain of office of lord provost of the city of Dundee.”

Mr Borthwick, who represents the Strathmartine ward and served as deputy lord provost in the previous administration, said: ”I appreciate Councillor Keenan’s remarks, but I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”

The SNP are proposing Bob Duncan to be the successor to John Letford, who has stood down after 11 years as lord provost.