A Stewartry councillor has quit the Conservative group after accusing them of “failing to make an impact”.
Castle Douglas and Crocketford member David James resigned from the group, claiming they have avoided making policies.
Although not part of the administration, the Tory group is the largest on the council and still has 15 members despite Mr James’ departure.
Mr James, who remains a councillor, said: “When I ran for election in 2017 many people told me that they wished to see the council shaken up.
“Despite being composed of decent people with good intentions, the Conservative group has failed to make an impact.
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“Of course, as a minority, it is difficult to make change directly but surely a party exists to formulate good policies and to try to bring them to fruition through weight of argument or negotiation.
“Influenced by Edinburgh, the Conservative group has chosen to avoid forming and putting forward policies. The fear is that these policies will be criticised or, worse still, stolen (implemented) by other parties. This is not a strategy I support, therefore I have resigned from the Conservative group in Dumfries and Galloway Council.
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“I realise that not everyone in ward four and Dumfries and Galloway agrees with me on all issues. However, I do think that people wish to see fresh ideas and width of debate.
“My leaving of the Conservative group is of no great significance but it will allow me to air views that are alternatives to those of the lacklustre administration and independent group.”
Tory group leader Ian Carruthers said he thought Mr James had become frustrated that he couldn’t get his point of view across. “He’s doing his own thing now.
