A councillor who quit the SNP on Holyrood election night in May has switched allegiance again, this time deserting the five-man Highland Alliance Group.
Dave Fallows has joined the minority independent administration on Highland Council.
The Badenoch and Strathspey member confirmed yesterday that he would step down at next year’s council elections and, as a resources chairman in a past coalition administration, he wanted to help tackle the current budget crisis facing the authority.
Councillor Fallows, 68, said: “I’ve felt, over recent months, fairly disconnected from the process of budget setting and I have some experience in that area.
“Given that I’ve no intention of standing in May, I thought the best place to be able to help – if I can help with mitigating the consequences of a fairly horrible budget – would be inside the administration, working to come up with the best ideas that we can.”
He said he remained a passionate advocate of independence despite quitting the SNP seven months ago.
Current budget leader Bill Fernie has welcomed Mr Fallows aboard.
Wishing his former group colleague well, Highland Alliance spokesman Thomas MacLennan said: “As a former resources chairman I’m sure he’ll make an impression, with more of a direct route to shaping the budget.
“Everyone knows we’re under a huge amount of pressure and I’m sure he’ll serve a purpose.”
In May, Mr Fallows had cited “centralisation, gender-based selection procedures and council tax reform” as his reasons for leaving the SNP.
His latest defection does not affect the council’s balance of power.
