A TROLLING Tory councillor is facing more pressure to quit as a committee convener as SNP and independent councillors prepare to table a no-confidence motion in him.
The SNP group on Angus Council met last night with three independent and one LibDem member to discuss the “reputational damage” being caused by Tory Derek Wann, the convener of the council’s Children and Learning Committee.
Wann was forced to admit a week ago that he was behind the anonymous Twitter account named after the Lady Whistledown character in Netflix series Bridgerton – which opposition politicians said sent out “misogynistic and transphobic” messages.
The council’s SNP group leader Beth Whiteside told The National: “The SNP group remain extremely concerned about the reputational damage being imposed on the council, particularly in relation to the position of convener of the Children and Learning Committee Councillor Derek Wann.
“This has only been exacerbated by the lack of response from the council and the council leader, Cllr [David] Fairweather.”
READ MORE: Locals launch petition calling for Twitter troll Tory councillor to resign
She said there had been no announcement from Wann regarding his intention to stand down from his convener’s position or indeed, as a member of the committee he chairs, and added: “Cllr Wann, by his own actions, has demonstrated his unsuitability to carry out the role with the honesty and integrity the position demands.
“Our group, along with Cllrs David Cheape (Ind), Brian Boyd (Ind), Lois Speed (Ind) and Ben Lawrie (LD), therefore intend to request that a special meeting of Angus Council be called as soon as possible in order to propose a motion of no confidence in the Convener of the Children and Learning committee and in addition, to demand his resignation as a member of the committee.
“Further to speculation regarding the forming of a ‘unity administration’, this is not something which is being progressed immediately, however constructive and positive discussions have taken place.
“The fact that no further resignations have occurred leaves the current members of this administration open to accusations that they are complicit, not only with the behaviour of their fellow members, but with the bullying culture within the group.
“This is clearly illustrated by Cllr Fairweather’s continued desire to work with any member of the group, regardless of their conduct.
“We are deeply disappointed by the deafening silence from members of the ruling group and we are sure that members of the public are appalled.
"Our role as opposition councillors is to scrutinise and hold to account the decisions of the administration, some of which we have been very uncomfortable with. This we will continue to do.”
Angus Council has been approached for comment.
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