A SCOTTISH councillor who served his community for more than three decades has lost his job because he struggled to work his computer.
Jim Coleman represented the Baillieston ward for Labour, but has now been “sacked” because of strict legislation that means any councillor who fails to attend a meeting for six months is automatically removed from their position.
Coleman is a member of six committees but has not attended any since at least last July.
However, a Labour source told Glasgow Live that Coleman’s problems with the “council-issued technology” were to blame for his departure.
The source said: "Jim worked in a very traditional way. He could not attend virtual meetings but no one could accuse him of not doing the duties of a local councillor over this past year.
READ MORE: BBC's Politics Live features an MSP for the first time in nearly two years
"Jim's laptop wasn't properly operative. We've all been experiencing problems with council-issued technology. Before the pandemic he was in the council building on every business day."
The now former Labour councillor was unable to use the equipment necessary to participate online after being told to self isolate for health reasons.
Coleman failed to attend any one of 44 committee meetings between July and December last year, according to the Glasgow Times.
Coleman said: "I am deeply disappointed to be leaving the council after 33 years in this fashion.
"I had intended to continue to serve my community until the council elections in 2022.
"I have been caught out by legislation which fails to recognise the work that I have continued to do and have always done in my community.
"I wish my Council colleagues, particularly those in the Labour Group, all the best for the future.”
The Leader of the Glasgow Labour Group, Malcolm Cunning, said: “This is not the end of a remarkable 33 year career in Local Government that I, or anyone else who knows Jim Coleman, would have hoped for.
"He has continued to actively represent his constituents in Baillieston throughout the pandemic but has fallen foul of strict and unforgiving legislation.
"From the time that I was first elected, Jim has been a constant source of advice, ideas and wise council.
READ MORE: Police hunt for 'bogus caller' claiming to offer elderly Scot a Covid jag
"He has served in almost every capacity possible during his three decades from Acting Leader of the Council downwards.
"There are few councillors who are held in such respect and genuine affection both within the City Chambers and the community they represent.
"The entire Labour Group is saddened beyond words that Jim will no longer be our council colleague. He will, however, remain our good friend and someone who we can be rightly proud of and thankful for his years of service.”
Coleman is believed to be the second Glasgow councillor to have lost his role to this legislation.
Earlier this month the Glasgow Times revealed how former Conservative councillor Tony Curtis lost his role after he failed to attend once in six months.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel