Tory group saves South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership
CONSERVATIVE councillors are providing an effective and responsible opposition for South Lanarkshire from the outset of the minority SNP administration.
The robust but constructive approach to opposition has already made a real difference as the 14-strong Tory group successfully overturned plans to scrap the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership.
No single party won a majority of seats in the area’s recent local elections. At the first full meeting of the authority the Conservatives nominated a proposed administration but a decision by Labour, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors to abstain meant the SNP took control.
After the meeting, Councillor Alex Allison said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Provost McAllen and Depute Provost Stevenson on their election, as well as to the new administration on their appointment.
“It is a privilege to serve the people of South Lanarkshire and this will be a proud moment for them and their families.”
The Tories proved an effective opposition from the outset, with the first meeting of the new council seeing the Conservative Group successfully propose to overturn plans to scrap the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership.
Councillor Allison spoke out against the plans. He told the council: “South Lanarkshire has led the way in promoting cycling and other authorities are now following our lead.
“Cycling is very valuable in terms of public health and wellbeing and I propose the South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership continue.”
The Conservative motion was agreed by the newly appointed administration and as a result the proposals to abandon the partnership were rejected by the council.
The decision by Labour councillors not to propose or support an alternative administration came under fire, as it meant the SNP was able to take full control of the council despite being fully seven seats short of a majority.
Councillor Allison said: “It is disappointing that the entire Labour group decided to sit on their hands rather than oppose the SNP.
“We made clear since the election that we were open to a coalition with Labour but unfortunately they decided they did not want to even enter into discussions about this or any other matter.
“Their obstructionist approach is letting down not only their voters but also the people of South Lanarkshire as a whole. The fact is no party won a majority of seats in this county, so all parties have a responsibility to behave in a responsible way to ensure the council can function effectively.
“As a group the Conservatives will certainly take a constructive approach and always put the interests of our communities first.”
He added: “Obviously a coalition or other arrangement with the SNP was never under consideration, so we will provide an effective opposition that holds their administration to account.
“Where we disagree with their proposals we will be robust in standing up for what we think is right, but a responsible opposition is also willing to work with others where appropriate.
“We will always consider proposals on their merits and do what we think is right by the public.”
Contact:
Councillor Mark McGeever
Conservative Group Media Manager
Tel: 07388-955-020
Email: [email protected]
NOTE:
The Conservative Group has elected Councillor Ann Le Blond as its depute leader. She can be reached at [email protected]