THE deputy leader of South Ayrshire Council has been removed and the provost has resigned following a chaotic meeting of the local authority.
A request was lodged by the Conservative group and independent members at the council's cabinet to remove councillor Bob Pollock as the depute leader and appoint councillor Brian Connolly in his place instead.
The move comes amid a backdrop of turmoil at the council, with leader Martin Dowey saying earlier this week he would temporarily step aside from his role.
His announcement came after the top councillor faced calls to stand down following an alleged recording appearing to suggest he could help "pals" win contracts.
However, it was confirmed at the cabinet meeting that Dowey was still in place as council leader at the time.
Speaking against the motion to be replaced as depute leader, Pollock said: "I was elected as a Conservative representative by the people of Troon, and I am keen to try and restore public faith in that brand.
"I fully respect the integrity of councillor Connolly, and I don't disagree with the idea there should be an independent representative as deputy leader.
"I am openly on record as saying I have lost faith in councillor Dowey as leader of this council.
"I haven't lost faith in the administration, I would aim to restore that as deputy leader.
"That's why I would put myself forward as remaining in the position."
Pollock was removed as depute leader of the council after 14 votes in favour of the motion and 13 against.
Councillors are set to vote on installing Connolly as his successor.
He said: "I have had the misfortune to work amongst some despicable people in this place, I've had to deal with people whose egos are better than their ability
"I didn't sign up for this, I got into this to serve the people of South Ayrshire.
"I'm disgusted by the backstabbing, fighting, people who use twisted means to get into positions.
"I hereby resign as provost of South Ayrshire Council. I'll remain as a councillor until the end of the term."
Separately, a motion of no confidence in the leadership of Dowey was lodged by Labour's Duncan Townson.
However, the motion was never voted on as a requirement to suspend the necessary standing orders to allow a vote was not passed by councillors.
SNP councillors have since demanded a special meeting be called which may be held next week, which will move for a vote of no confidence in Dowey.
SNP group leader Julle Dettbarn said: “During this morning’s debate the Conservative Whip declined to answer a question to confirm that his group still had full confidence in Cllr Dowey.
“We remain utterly concerned that the council currently lacks leadership, and regret that the deplorable behaviour of some members which led to the meeting being suspended – leaving important matters undecided and even the provost standing down.”
