10/06/2009

Midlothian “mafia-tactics” may face legal challenge

The decision by Midlothian Council officials to bar SNP Councillors from taking part in a crucial vote about the development of the Cuiken primary school playing fields has been branded undemocratic by SNP MSP Christine Grahame. Ms Grahame, who is a former lawyer herself, believes the decision is illegal and is taking legal advice with a view to challenging what she described as the "mafia-style tactics" of Midlothian Council. She said:

“I am taking legal advice with a view to challenging the decision by Midlothian officials to bar SNP Councillors from debating and voting on the decision related to Labour proposals to build on the Cuiken primary school playing fields.

“Council officials wrongly claimed that because I and other non-Council members of the SNP had campaigned against the proposal that this would prejudice the decision of the committee. That is patent nonsense and in my view a clear abuse of the democratic structures of the Council.

“None of the SNP Councillors were involved in the campaign to halt this proposal. That is in stark contrast to certain Labour Councillors who publicly backed proposals to build on these school playing fields, but who were allowed by Council officials to debate and vote on the decision. Not only is that rank hypocrisy but it is also highly undemocratic and I believe illegal. I am taking independent legal advice now with a view to bringing a challenge against the Council.

“If that proves, as I believe it will, that Midlothian Council has acted in an undemocratic fashion and an illegal manner, then I believe the Council officials responsible for giving that advice should be sacked.
 
“Not for the first time, nor I suspect the last, Labour run Midlothian Council is indulging in what can only be described as mafia-style tactics. Clearly both Labour Councillors and their officials have disregarded the clear democratic mandate of the SNP in Midlothian. It is not a situation that will be tolerated and I am determined to challenge this.”

SNP It’s time.....