A FORUM where political rivals in Dumfries and Galloway work together is “going from strength to strength”, according to a former council leader.
The leaders’ panel, which was created by Dumfries and Galloway Council in the summer of 2022, has recently been under review.
The heads of each political group – SNP, Labour, Conservatives, and Independents – have been meeting monthly to discuss addressing the most important issues for the region, such as housing and the cost of living crisis.
Despite political disagreements and the previous SNP-Labour-Independent coalition administration falling apart last year, the leaders’ panel has continued to work constructively.
A report was recently tabled at a full council meeting on the progress of the leaders’ panel, along with a budget panel and business bureau.
Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward, former co-leader of the council, said: “I’m proud to note that this was a Labour Group introduced by us in May 2022 in an effort work in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
“It is right that it is being reviewed, and I’m pleased to see that it’s still going from strength to strength – and also that it has been endorsed by the administration.
“I would hope these initiatives can be taken forward and applied with an annual review for the duration of this council.”
The council report states that, while no decisions are taken at these panels, the meetings are very useful in contributing towards better decisions being taken at relevant committee meetings.
The document also underlined key principles of this collaborative approach between the political leaders, stating: “Recognition that all members will not agree on everything but will focus on the shared endeavour to serve the people of Dumfries and Galloway well.
“All participants agree to contribute in a constructive and collaborative manner.”
