But it was a bumpy ride for Councillor Gray as it sparked a heated 20-minute debate with accusations of collusion between the new three-party administration and that it had been a "done deal" from the start.

"The fact that this is a political appointment is alright by me, but let's not treat the people of Inverness as mugs," said SNP councillor Drew Hendry (Aird and Loch Ness), at the outset of Highland Council's Inverness city committee meeting at the Town House.

"The members of the rainbow alliance of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent parties have been told what to do today.

"They had the opportunity to introduce a bit of colour, but instead will proceed with a decision set down in black and white and inevitably end up with Gray."

His view was echoed by others in the SNP camp, with some hoping for an open vote. However, no vote was required because no member would second Councillor Balfour (Culloden and Ardersier) for the post.

He was proposed by fellow Independent Members Group colleague Councillor Jim Crawford (Inverness South).

"We were promised this was going to be a free vote. It was obviously orchestrated," declared Councillor Crawford when the decision was announced.

Councillor Balfour, who as culture committee chairman labelled the Eden Court redevelopment as a waste of money, was one of the first to congratulate Councillor Gray (Labour, Inverness Millburn) who was given a round of applause as the provost's chain was presented to him.

The new provost received words of support from his fellow Labour members, as well as Lib-Dems and the SNP, including former provost Councillor Bob Wynd (Culloden and Ardersier), who resigned from the role in June after his party walked out of the council's Independent/SNP-led administration. He told members it was a wonderful and humbling experience to be provost.

Councillor Gray, after taking up the chairmanship of the committee, paid tribute to Councillor Wynd's work and said he would aim to continue his level of commitment.

It was also agreed council officials would look into the potential role of a deputy provost, a position which would share the civic and ceremonial responsibilities falling to the provost.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---