COSLA quizzed as new administration yet to take control of West Dunbartonshire Council
Community Party leader Drew MacEoghainn has written to COSLA asking what happens if no administration takes control of West Dunbartonshire Council.
The local authority was thrown into chaos when the Labour administration relinquished control almost two weeks ago, with group leader Martin Rooney saying they would no longer be able to pass a budget after two members quit the party.
Mr MacEoghainn says that the situation has “paralysed” decision making at the council, and he fears that it will be detrimental to communities locally.
Clydebank councillors Danny Lennie and June McKay both left Labour prior to a vote to elect a new provost, which was won by the SNP’s Karen Murray Conaghan - with support from both former Labour members.
That prompted a furious reaction from veteran Labour member Douglas McAllister, who is stepping down as a councillor and provost after being elected as the area’s MP in July.
He said the duo had “put personal ambition before those that they serve.”
However Councillor Lennie hit back saying: “What advancement would that be?
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“If it is true that we have denied democracy and turned our backs on Labour supporters, what has the administration just done to democracy and Labour supporters?
“Many councils in Scotland are run by a coalition, but this administration chose to run away.”
After losing a further vote on Christmas holiday closures, Labour relinquished control of the cash-strapped council - saying it was on the remaining members to form an SNP, independent and Community Party coalition.
Currently the SNP has seven councillors, whilst former members Jonathan McColl and Diane Docherty join councillors Lennie and McKay in sitting as independents. Jim Bollan represents the Community Party.
However so far no coalition administration has been formed, with budget decisions just months away.
In his letter, Renton man Drew, who stood in the Lomond ward in the 2022 vote but wasn’t elected, said: “I write to you as the leader of West Dunbartonshire Community Party. As you may be aware on Wednesday August 28 this year, the Labour administration for the above council resigned their position as the administration and have told the meeting they now refuse to form an administration. They are still the biggest party with 10 councillors.
“Although not official yet, the next biggest party the SNP, with seven councillors, look likely to refuse the offer of them forming the administration too.
“If West Dunbartonshire cannot get councillors to form an administration can you please explain what happens next?
“This uncertainty has paralysed many of the decision making committees and each day it continues is detrimental to our communities.”
Meanwhile Unison’s local branch has also slammed uncertainty facing the council.
In a statement they said: “Members within West Dunbartonshire have expressed their frustration and confusion with the current political situation.
“Whatever the outcome will be going forward, the new administration needs to realise that the workforce, is by far our councils most valuable asset.
“They need to positively engage with Unison and our sister unions, the joint trade unions, in West Dunbartonshire going forward. We need elected politicians running our council, not a clique of senior managers. Local Government is on its knees and we require political leadership that will oppose the yet more cuts, anticipated to be coming down the line.
“We call on the politicians to join the trade unions in fighting these cuts to essential jobs and our beloved public services here in West Dunbartonshire.”
COSLA declined to comment.