A FRESH call has been made by the SNP for Labour to expel nine councillors who went into coalition with the Conservatives in Aberdeen.
The “Aberdeen nine” were suspended by former Labour leader Kezia Dugdale for teaming up with the Tories in May 2017. However, 28 months later, no further disciplinary action has been taken against the councillors.
The SNP has said it’s time for Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard to “get a grip of his party” and boot out the disgraced Labour councillors once and for all.
Commenting, Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said: “This has dragged on for far too long – it’s time Richard Leonard got a grip of his party and kicked these councillors out for good.
“It’s simply not good enough for Richard Leonard to bury his head in the sand while councillors working under the Labour banner claim the Tories have been a force for good in Aberdeen.”
The Aberdeen City Council SNP leader, Stephen Flynn, added: “The situation is a complete farce and this co-called suspension, that was implemented a shocking 28 months ago, clearly means nothing. These councillors are working hand in hand with the Tories to push through devastating cuts to local services while continuing to campaign for the Labour party across the city.
“Richard Leonard can’t dodge this issue any longer – he needs to send the disgraced councillors packing.”
READ MORE: Tory's resignation could end Aberdeen Better Together coalition
The SNP said that since their suspension by Dugdale, the Labour politicians have worked with the Tories to enforce £150 million of cuts to public services in the city, with one councillor even claiming the “Tories have done more to improve the lives of people in disadvantaged communities in Aberdeen than the SNP have ever done”.
While still under suspension, the councillors have been openly campaigning for Richard Leonard alongside Labour activists and MSPs in the city – raising questions on the authority of the party’s leadership. Last month, it emerged the group will not have control over who stands for the party at a forthcoming by-election. The vote for two seats in Bridge of Don will be held on October 3.
Council group leader Jenny Laing said the Scottish Labour Party would select a candidate through its normal procedures.
She told the BBC: “Labour will be standing a candidate for the Bridge of Don by-election.They have yet to be selected. The Labour Party will be going through the normal processes of choosing a candidate.”
In July last year, the Labour councillors were referred by the party’s National Executive Committee’s Disputes Panel to its National Constitutional Committee to have their membership considered.
Laing said at the time: “Whilst we are disappointed by the Disputes Panel’s decision today we are not surprised they have chosen to refer the matter to the National Constitutional Committee rather than overturn the SEC decision.
She continued: “We now look forward to finally being given the opportunity to present our case as we believe we have compelling evidence which proves our administration continues to work with trade unions to actively resist austerity, defend local services from cuts, protect jobs by opposing compulsory redundancies and fights to ensure local government is properly funded.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel