AN Edinburgh councillor has resigned from the SNP over a perceived failure to improve conditions for disabled people in the city.
Derek Howie, who is registered blind, set out to change the council’s approach to disability when he was elected three years ago.
However, he has now told council leader Adam McVey that he has been unable to persuade SNP colleagues “of the necessity to alter their approach to policy … to help compensate for the deficits experienced by the 20% of the population who have a disability”, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.
His resignation letter reads: “It is necessary that for the remaining two years of my five-year term I need to make a move which will hopefully help me to bring about the much needed changes to enable people with a disability to play their full part in the life of the city.”
Howie, who has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and uses a guide dog, is reportedly in talks with other political parties about the possibility of joining.
SNP group leader McVey said: “The 2052 voters in Liberton and Gilmerton who elected Derek will understandably feel let down by his decision. Derek was a valued member of the team but clearly he feels that he’s failed to represent his constituents effectively.
“His voice was always welcome in discussions but any effective councillor has to work constructively and respectfully with colleagues to drive forward change.
"The council is making sustained improvements for people with disabilities and mobility issues, making sure voices of groups like the Edinburgh Access Panel and Living Streets are heard loudly. We still have so much more to do and will continue to work with partners to transform our city and prioritise actions to improve accessibility for all our residents.”
Howie is the fourth SNP councillor to quit the group since the last election in 2017.
Depute council Leader and head of the Labour group, Cammy Day, said: “I’m sad to see Cllr Howie leave the SNP, but should he want to be part of a progressive left Labour party then let’s chat!”
Conservative group chair Jason Rust added: “The SNP group continues to be in complete disarray. This is now the fourth elected member to leave their group during this term. It is no wonder there are such issues with the running of the council.
“If they fall in numbers much more even the Labour group propping them up won’t be enough to sustain this dysfunctional administration.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel