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Senior Moray councillor chairs last meeting

Councillor Douglas Ross has voiced his concerns
Councillor Douglas Ross has voiced his concerns

A senior Moray councillor gave a farewell speech yesterday ahead of his pending dismissal as planning committee chairman.

Douglas Ross had expected to continue his role as the planning and resources committee chairman until the next scheduled full council meeting on December 17.

However, he found out ahead of yesterday morning’s meeting that his sacking will be brought forward.

He will still act as chairman for today’s controversial Wittet Drive link road hearing, but his dismissal will be made official at a special full council meeting next week.

In closing yesterday, the Fochabers-Lhanbryde councillor thanked the administration group for the “opportunity” to act as chairman and commended council officers, members and staff for their commitment to improving the council’s planning process.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Ross said he hoped he would be able to reflect on a “successful” time as chairman.

He said: “It’s interesting still having the hearing tomorrow, but I don’t want my departure to detract from the hearing, which is a significant issue.

“Today was an opportunity for me to recognise the support I have had as chairman of the committee. I maybe don’t thank the council staff enough, so I wanted to take the time to do that.

“I will be a bit sad to leave the chairman’s seat because I think I have been removed for reasons unrelated to my ability to chair the meetings, but, hopefully, I can look back on my time as chairman of the committee and consider it a successful one.

“I found out today the administration want to get me out sooner – a month earlier – than I expected.

“Beyond, I will have to have discussions on where I go from here. I hope to retain my roles on the licensing, economic development and planning committees. I don’t want to be seen as a back seat driver, but I do have a continued interest in planning, so I hope to maintain my role on the committee.”

Councillor Chris Tuke, current planning and resources deputy chairman, is expected to be the administration’s candidate to succeed Mr Ross.

He said: “Under Douglas, our committee has improved its performance. As he said during the meeting, officers and staff are working well together. If I’m appointed, I hope to follow on in the same way. It is nothing personal against Douglas, but it will be the council’s decision whether or not I get the appointment.”