Moray Council was plunged into crisis last night as a key all-party working group collapsed just days after the ruling administration failed to secure backing for a major shake-up of schools.
Convener Stewart Cree said the Independent-Conservative coalition has pulled the plug on joint working with its main opposition in the SNP as the fallout from the crucial education vote on Monday continued.
Council leader Allan Wright has already announced he is stepping down from his post after losing the support of fellow members on the sustainable education review (SEV).
Councillors voted by 16-8 to reject the plan and save closure-threatened rural schools including Milne’s High – much to the delight of local campaigners.
However, the SNP’s decision to oppose the move was viewed by the Independents and Conservatives as a major – and unexpected – U-turn.
In a letter to Nationalist group leader Pearl Paul, local authority convener Stewart Cree said the breakdown in relations meant the administration was no longer prepared to take part in the council’s Area Based Review group.
The cross-party body was set up to develop a long-term strategic direction for the authority, setting a path for the next 10 years on major issues such as budget-setting, economic development, service delivery and infrastructure investment.
It has also paved the way for many decisions to be taken by the council on a cross-party basis.
Mr Cree said the SNP’s departure from a previously-agreed position had created an “untenable” situation.
He was also critical of the fact that the SNP group issued a press statement making it clear it would oppose any rural school closures.
He said: “While I fully accept that the ABR was never intended to be a decision-making body, I, like others, had relied on the opportunity it provided to discuss matters before reaching conclusions.
“The press announcement by the SNP group clearly rejected any agreed position and coldly dismissed the opportunity for further discussion that could have been taken some two days later when the ABR met again.
“This was prior to the matter being heard in full council last Monday, however it appears that the SNP group decided that there was no need for any further discussion and proceeded in a unilateral manner, thus ignoring the agreement upon which the administration group had relied.”
Mr Cree added: “The administration group was consequently placed in an untenable position and has been left with no faith that such circumstances will not recur.
“Consequently the group no longer wishes to be part of this process and will not participate in any future ABR meetings.”
Last night, Mrs Paul, councillor for Speyside Glenlivet, said she had only just received the letter and would have to consult her group before commenting.
Mr Wright intimated his intention to stand down as council leader following Monday’s council meeting, at which it was decided to place a five-year moratorium on school closures.
However, he has said he intends to continue as a member of the ruling administration group.