The Highland Council administration was yesterday accused of “sacking” two committee chairmen amid a political row surrounding a reshuffle of committee leaders.
And a bid by the opposition to instal former budget leader David Alston back in the post failed when the Black Isle councillor declined the nomination.
Members agreed that councillor Graham MacKenzie should be appointed chairman of the new community services committee, replacing former transport, environmental and community services chairman councillor Graham Phillips.
Councillor Maxine Smith is now budget leader and head of the resources committee, taking over from councillor Dave Fallows, chairman of the former finance, housing and resources committee.
Independent councillor Bill Fernie said: “To us on this side it does seem strange if not unprecedented to be sacking two chairmen halfway through their terms of office.”
Fellow independent member Isobel McCallum proposed Mr Alston as the chairman of the resources committee and budget leader.
She said: “The resources committee is the most onerous to be chair of, particularly in respect of budget leader. David Alston has previously carried this out to his great credit.
“I would like members when electing to this post that they are confident that the person they are electing is equipped for the post.”
She was seconded by the leader of the opposition, Carolyn Wilson, but Mr Alston declined the nomination.
Following the meeting, Mrs McCallum said: “It’s a very important position on the council and we’ve got a £60million budget cut and I think that would require someone with experience.
“David Alston has previously been budget leader and got great credit for delivering a balanced budget. For us we try to appoint the person who is best for the job on the council irrespective of political leanings. It’s about the success of Highland Council, not about which party is going to do it.”
She added: “I wish Maxine well. It is a big job.”
Council leader councillor Drew Hendry said: “We are determined to use the breadth of skills and talents available to make sure we’ve got the right people posted to the new committees and that is what we’ve done with these new appointments today.
“Both Graham and Dave have done a terrific job but the committees have changed from where they were a couple of years ago.
“Only the independent group would say that you should just keep someone there for the sake of it.”