THE new leadership of Dumfries and Galloway Council has been accused of pre-empting important decisions and “by-passing the democratic process”.
Just a matter of days after taking charge of the council administration, the Conservatives came under scrutiny over their decision-making process.
It comes after a press release was sent out by the council last Tuesday about proposals for £1.1m of funding to support elderly and vulnerable people in the region.
New council leader Gail Macgregor and her deputy Malcolm Johnstone were quoted in the press release, however the opposition SNP group insist they jumped the gun because the matter was still to be considered by the economy and resources committee later that day – and then has to be ratified at the full council meeting at the end of this month.
SNP Councillor Hagmann, who represents Mid Galloway and Wigtown West, said: “I am extremely concerned about the way in which the new Conservative administration of Dumfries and Galloway Council appear to be doing business.
“The comments made by the Conservative leadership, assumed an outcome, before due process had taken place. The comments were made before the item was even discussed at the economy and resources committee.
“It is hugely concerning that the Conservative leadership would appear to pre-empt decision making prior to open and transparent debate.
“I very much hope this is a one time error and not setting the way in which business is going to be conducted.”
Responding, Conservative Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, convenor and deputy leader of the council, said: “I was unaware that this press release was going to go out, and that is something I will be taking on board with the relevant parties.”
