aberdeen council’s lib demsdump her for john stewart

City leader Kate Dean deposed in party coup

By Calum Ross

Published:

Kate Dean: late-night vote

Aberdeen City Council leader Kate Dean has been ousted from power after her support collapsed during a coup by Liberal Democrat councillors last night.

Colleague John Stewart seized control of the largest group at the local authority, bringing Mrs Dean’s decade-long reign as leader of the Lib Dems in Aberdeen to an end.

She is now expected to step down after six years as leader of the council at a meeting of all councillors tomorrow, paving the way for Mr Stewart to take the helm.

Lib Dem councillors turned on Mrs Dean, who had just two backers when Mr Stewart challenged her position during a late-night vote at Aberdeen Town House. He won by 12 votes to three.

Mr Stewart, councillor for the George Street and Harbour ward, said his priority is to do the best for the city.

“I am pleased that my colleagues have chosen me to lead our group,” he said.

“I look forward to leading the Liberal Democrats in Aberdeen City Council for the next three years.

“Those three years will be demanding for Aberdeen city. A huge amount has been achieved over last 18 months to tackle the financial and organisational challenges.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to build on those successes.”

Mrs Dean, who entered politics in 1993 when she was elected to the old Aberdeen District Council, survived calls for her resignation last year as the council became engulfed in a financial crisis which prompted a public inquiry by the Accounts Commission watchdog.

Last night, she issued a statement saying: “I would like to congratulate John on his election.

“He will have the full support of every Liberal Democrat councillor in Aberdeen.

“It has been a great privilege to lead the Lib Dems in Aberdeen for over 10 years.

“I look forward to taking on new challenges as a member of Aberdeen City Council and continuing to work for the people of Kincorth and Loirston as their local councillor.”

The Press and Journal revealed last month that Mr Stewart and other senior Lib Dems were plotting to depose Mrs Dean, amid rumours of infighting and concern over the powerful influence of the SNP group within the council’s ruling coalition.

The move was postponed at the 11th hour but resurrected last night as councillors discussed who would take charge of the new committees, proposed by council chief executive Sue Bruce as part of a wide-ranging shake-up due to be ratified by the full council tomorrow.

Mrs Dean’s defeat in last night’s vote was a personal blow for the SNP’s deputy council leader Kevin Stewart, as the pair had shared a close working relationship.

However, it is understood both parties intend to continue the power-sharing agreement which has run the council since 2007.

Kevin Stewart said: “The SNP group has worked very well with the Liberal Democrats under Kate Dean’s leadership and I hope this will continue under John Stewart.

“Since the formation of this administration with the Liberal Democrats in 2007, many issues which should have been tackled in the past have been dealt with and I hope this situation continues.”

Mrs Dean previously led a ruling coalition with the Tories between 2003 and 2007.

John Stewart’s civil partner, Neil Fletcher, has stepped down as deputy leader of the Lib Dem group and has been replaced by planning committee convener Scott Cassie.

Labour, the main opposition group at the council, elected Barney Crockett as its new leader last month, replacing Len Ironside after the latter’s 10 years in charge.

Tomorrow’s full council meeting will be the last before councillors break for their summer holidays.