LABOUR councillors in Stirling have survived a vote of no-confidence but have been accused of being joined at the “political hip” with the Tories to protect their own self-interests.
SNP councillors called for a special meeting last week to table a motion of no-confidence in the Labour administration’s financial management of the local authority.
Labour had been accused by the SNP of “wasting millions” on projects, including shelving plans for £30 million worth of new and refurbished offices, and being in “financial chaos” by accruing thousands of unprocessed invoices.
However, despite being accused of failing the “most basic financial housekeeping,” the Labour administration survived the vote of no confidence on Monday.
Labour survived with 11 members voting in favour, and with 12 against the move.
SNP group leader Susan McGill said: “With Tory support, Stirling Labour’s financial mismanagement of Stirling Council will continue.
“The Unionist parties will always back each other and put self-interest before services.”
The Labour group will continue to run as a minority administration, led by council leader Gerry McGarvey.
The council's members are: Nine SNP, eight Conservative, four Labour, one Green and one Independent.
SNP finance spokesperson Councillor Gerry McLaughlan added: “The cabal is dead, long live the coalition!!!
“This vote leaves the people of Stirling in no doubt; Labour and Tories are joined at the political hip, collude for power and will stop at nothing to protect their own political fortunes.”
The SNP said they tabled the motion on Monday due to a number of high-profile failures by Labour, including Stirling Council’s agreement to spend £870,000 to rebuild the historic 117-year-old clock tower, which was demolished in a failed conservation effort.
SNP councillor Gene Maxwell said: “Council leader Gerry McGarvey has been a senior member of this administration for YEARS.
“Yet today his key defence was based on taking action a whole 5 DAYS AGO regarding unaudited and overdue accounts! Asleep at the wheel doesn't even get close!”
The Stirling Labour group has been approached for comment.
