North-east politicians have been snubbed over an oil and gas summit being organised by Aberdeen City Council.
The local authority has not invited any of the region’s MP or MSPs to the event – and insists it is aimed at “leaders”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary David Mundell have both been asked to attend or send representatives.
Angry Aberdeen South MP Callum McCaig claimed last night he and his colleagues had been “excluded” from the summit.
The former council leader, who is now the SNP’s energy spokesman at Westminster, accused the local authority’s Labour-led administration of “pettiness”.
He said: “It is ridiculous that the city council leaders claim to have the interests of the oil and gas industry in mind, yet exclude elected representatives of the people in Aberdeen – petty parochialism is not going to help.
“Members of both parliaments should have been invited to attend this summit to present a united front in support of this vital industry and the thousands of people who have lost their jobs.
“I want to make it clear to the people who elected me that I will continue to do as much as I can to help this vital industry, but I cannot take part in summits I am excluded from.
“Every business leader I have spoken to has expressed their admiration for the way companies are working together to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing the oil and gas sector.
“It is a shame the city council is not following their example.”
But council leader Jenny Laing said event on June 30 was “meant for leaders”.
She said: “This is a meeting for leaders – a meaningful discussion with others who are at the sharp end of the oil and gas crisis.
“We have invited the Scottish Government through Nicola Sturgeon and the UK Government through David Mundell.
“It is for them to determine who represents them at this meeting.
“It is deeply disappointing that Callum McCaig has chosen to try and score cheap political points off the back of this downturn at a time when so many people are losing their jobs.”
