Aberdeen’s council leader has launched a stinging attack on an opposition SNP member who suggested ditching a multimillion-pound revamp of the art gallery.
Jenny Laing accused Nationalist councillor John Corall of “blatant political opportunism” after a motion to scrap the £33million revamp was dropped at the 11th hour on Wednesday.
Mr Corall had tabled the proposal, but said he withdrew it because it was clear he would lose a vote as three councillors were absent from the full council meeting.
But Mrs Laing, a Labour councillor, said the local authority could have lost £10million in Heritage Lottery funding if the project was not followed through.
The refurbishment scheme, which includes the development of a new collections centre in Northfield, has met
widespread public opposition.
Costs have also recently escalated due to the rising price of construction work in the buoyant city.
Mrs Laing said: “We are confident that the £30million upgrade of the Aberdeen Art Gallery will enhance city centre regeneration and compliment the £107million Marischal Square development.
“The SNP said on November 26 that the art gallery upgrade was nothing short of financial negligence and tantamount to civic vandalism, however, they chose to withdraw their motion without debate.
“For some time I have been concerned by the blatant political opportunism being displayed by SNP councillors and this turn of events appear to indicate these concerns are well founded.
“I believe investing in our city centre will ensure Aberdeen has a bright future and that is why Labour and our coalition partners will continue to work together to bring about further regeneration.”
Mr Corall, meanwhile, said his decision to back down was based on the numbers of councillors present.
SNP members Bill Cormie and Andrew May, as well as Liberal Democrat Jennifer Stewart, were not present.
Mr Corall said: “There was no way that we would have won (a vote) on the art gallery.
“But I would not say that it was dead, not at all. I would hope, when we have the full complement, that we can debate this again.
“I speak to people from all walks of life, and they all agree that the project should be scrapped. We have got to ensure that the city invests wisely and avoids runaway costs.”