West Lothian Council row over Labour motion email to community groups
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 21:16 · Archive
West Lothian's ruling Labour group emailed community councils a copy of a Labour motion after it was voted through, prompting SNP accusations of political bias.
West Lothian's opposition SNP group has accused the ruling Labour administration of damaging the council's neutrality and reputation by emailing community councils a Labour motion about planned local government changes. The motion had been voted through at a council meeting earlier this month.
SNP group leader Janet Campbell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the email breached 'political neutrality' and risked 'reputational damage' to the council. She raised the issue at a meeting of the council's Executive, which had been discussing potential risks to the council's reputation.
Labour council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick branded the SNP accusation 'nonsense'. Council officers this week defended the practice, saying they had no right to 'edit' or summarise motions or decisions made by councillors. They pointed out that motions and amendments from all political groups are regularly sent to councillors and the press using the council's email address when they are approved at meetings. The SNP had abstained rather than voting against the motion or offering an alternative amendment.
How it is being reported
- West Lothian Council accused of political bias over email to community groupsCouncil leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick branded the SNP accusations “nonsense”Edinburgh Evening News · 3 Nov, 20:51
- West Lothian Labour and SNP in 'reputational' row over council emailLabour leader brands SNP criticism that email to community councils risked causing reputational damaged a "nonsense"Edinburgh Live · 3 Nov, 14:35
In this story: West Lothian Council · Labour · SNP · Lawrence Fitzpatrick · Janet Campbell · Lesley Montagu · West Lothian
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