Marc Macrae resigns from role as Moray Council Convener
He was due to face a vote of no confidence next week, following allegations of poor behaviour
A Fochabers councillor has decided to step aside from his role as Moray Council Convener.
Cllr Marc Macrae was due to face a vote of no confidence next week, following allegations of poor behaviour which dated back to before this year's local government elections.
We understand Cllr Macrae has asked for Police Scotland to investigate, after continued allegations from one former councillor.
He will stay on as councillor for the Fochabers and Lhanbryde ward and will also remain as Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services committee.
Moray SNP say his resignation as convener over "unfounded claims" poses more "questions than answers."
Resignation in the "best interest of the administration"
Cllr Macrae says he does not want the situation to "mar the good work" of his Tory colleagues or the Council.
He said: "Stepping aside as Convener will enable me to clear my name of unfounded allegations, which are, at the moment, creating a distraction to the important work which I, and my fellow Councillors within the Administration, are trying to do.
"Therefore, after much reflection, I have decided that it is in the best interest of the Administration that I step aside from this very public role as I do not wish my personal situation to mar the good work of the team or the Council."
Co-Leader and Leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Kathleen Robertson added: "Cllr Macrae and I take all allegations against our members seriously and I fully support Cllr Macrae’s desire to clear his name.
"I respect the way which Cllr Macrae has handled this situation and have been impressed with his selfless approach which led to his decision.”
Macrae claims "rise more questions than answers"
Their action came after Cllr Macrae's former Tory colleague Frank Brown said he shouldn't be Convenor due to complaints made about his previous behaviour.
Moray SNP Group Co-Leader Cllr Graham Leadbitter says more needs to be "set out."
He said: "I am pleased that the Convener has done the right thing and resigned.
"However his claims that allegations against him are ‘unfounded’ give rise to more questions than answers.
"The past behaviour issues that led to the no confidence motion are true and certainly not ‘unfounded’. It may be that he is referring to other allegations but if he wants to set the record straight he should set out in detail the events he accepts did happen and the consequences of those events.
"He should also set out what he considers to be unfounded.
"The statement issued today by the Conservatives deflects from the fundamental concern that Cllr Macrae should never have been appointed to the position of Convener with the past behaviour he has exhibited."