TWO trolling Tories have quit key positions on a council after SNP and independent members planned to call for an emergency meeting of the authority in a bid to oust them.
Derek Wann, who was convener of Angus Council’s Children and Learning Committee, resigned after opposition members prepared to table a motion of no confidence in him.
He was forced to admit a week ago that he was behind an anonymous Twitter account named after the Lady Whistledown character in Netflix series Bridgerton – which opposition politicians said sent out “misogynistic and transphobic” messages.
A second Tory councillor, Braden Davy, quit as a spokesperson on the Economic Development Committee.
He was involved in an anonymous Facebook account encouraging people to “tactically vote” for him in May’s Scottish Parliament elections, allegations for which he could still face a police probe.
In a statement, council leader David Fairweather said: “The administration can confirm the resignation of Cllr Wann from Children and Learning as Convener and also from the committee itself.
“Cllr Braden Davy has resigned his position as spokesperson for Economic Development.
“The administration will move forward from these unfortunate events and continue their work for the people of Angus and the award winning Council it is under our watch.”
SNP group leader Beth Whiteside had expressed their and some independent members’ fears that Wann had caused the council “reputational damage”, and had “demonstrated his unsuitability to carry out the role with the honesty and integrity the position demands”.
Her group, along with three independents and one LibDem councillor said they intended to call for a special meeting of the council to propose a motion of no confidence in Wann and to demand his resignation as convener and a committee member.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Wann and Davy have both been approached for comment.
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