Conservative group fears new SNP-Independent coalition will put 'Sturgeon and nationalism in the driving seat' but the SNP leader Raymond Bremner dismissed the claims accusing the Tories of an anti-SNP stance
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News that the SNP and Independent groups will form a coalition to lead Highland Council has been greeted with disappointment and alarm by Conservatives.
The joint leaders of the Tory group in council Cllr Helen Crawford and Cllr Struan Mackie issued a statement after the announcement was made earlier today.
In it they vowed to work with the prospective new administration “constructively” on “local priorities, but not nationalist pet projects.”
They also expressed their regret that the Independent group did not cut a deal with the Liberal Democrats following the election at the start of the month.
Cllr Crawford is concerned the SNP as the majority group “will not hesitate to put Sturgeon and nationalism in the driving seat,” saying: “I think many of those voters will be dismayed that their vote for an Independent was actually a vote for the SNP and the promotion of nationalism in the Highlands.
“I think many voters will be dismayed that their vote for an Independent was actually a vote for the SNP and the promotion of nationalism in the Highlands.
“And we extend our invitation of support to any Independents who want to stand up to the SNP and deliver for The Highlands.”
Cllr Mackie said: “This announcement will be a shock to the thousands of voters who gave their support to Independent Councillors across the Highland region in the hope of addressing local priorities like our crumbling roads and pavements.
“I am shocked that the Independent group, who spent the last five years highlighting the Scottish Government’s complete disregard for our community, have chosen to join forces with the very government that has cut our budgets, centralised frontline services and attacked our industry.
“Despite the rhetoric from the administration declaring that they ‘have the numbers’ to take the Highlands forward, we know that some Independents will be asking searching questions today about their ability to support this deal.”
SNP group leader Cllr Raymond Bremner bit back saying it would be helpful if the Conservatives would stop putting their anti-SNP stance "before the interests of the people of the Highlands," saying: “I’m really disappointed with the comments that the Conservatives have made.
"Our manifesto for local government focused on many key issues of interest to the people of the Highlands – roads and infrastructure, schools, social care, fuel poverty among many others.
"We will continue to work with anyone who shares our vision of improving the lives of those who live in our Highland communities and have been discussing those values over the past week.
"It would help if the Conservatives would set aside their anti-SNP stance and stop putting it before the interests of the people of the Highlands.”
