COSLA quizzed as new administration yet to take control of West Dunbartonshire Council
dailyrecord.co.ukCommunity 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?“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.
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