THE Conservative party’s problems in Scottish local government continued yesterday as an independent councillor quit the Tory-led administration of Scottish Borders Council.
Galashiels councillor Harry Scott left the administration citing “fundamental disagreements” with the Conservative leadership, but the Tories and their independent partners will still have overall control.
The continuing row over the Easter Langlee waste transfer station and the closure of the Bordercare office prompted Scott’s decision, which heaps further embarrassment on the Tories following the suspension of two councillors in Stirling and the resignation of a Moray Conservative councillor over the “right-wing” takeover of the council’s administration.
Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam said: “While Councillor Scott has always taken a strong and principled line, in the six months since the election it has become clear to us both that we wish to move in different directions. We agreed that he would be best placed to do this outwith the administration.”
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