NINE Labour councillors who formed an unauthorised coalition with the Conservatives will be suspended from the party until at least 2022, it has been decided.
The so-called “Aberdeen Nine” formed the coalition with the Tories against then-leader Kezia Dugdale’s instructions, prompting their suspension in 2017.
Now Labour’s National Constitutional Committee has said the local authority councillors will be suspended until at least May 1, 2022.
Jenny Laing, the co-leader of Aberdeen City Council with Tory colleague Douglas Lumsden, is one of the suspended nine.
READ MORE: Scotland’s Better Together councils: Labour still in bed with Tories
Leonard insisted last night that keeping the administrative suspensions in place would send a “clear message that serious rule breaches will result in serious repercussions”.
He added: “It is disappointing that the nine councillors in three-and-a-half years have offered neither regret nor a resolution to avoid this decision.
“I have expressed my frustration before that this case has taken so long to be brought to a conclusion.
“Now it is time to move on.”
READ MORE: SNP urge Labour to expel Tory coalition councillors in Aberdeen
Alex Nicoll, the SNP group leader at Aberdeen City Council, said the issue "should've been dealt with years ago".
He went on: “With the political careers of these nine councillors now looking all but over, you have to wonder if the current administration is doomed as they seek to jump ship to save their own skin.
“Although, I doubt many would be shocked to see some of these councillors now look to join their chums in the Tory Party. Their membership forms may already be in the post.
“This has been another catastrophic week for Labour.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Labour said: “After considering the evidence and a full hearing, Labour’s National Constitutional Committee has determined in accordance with party rules that the nine Aberdeen councillors will remain administratively suspended from the party until May 1 2022.”
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