Conservative councillor resigns over Aberdeenshire Council budget
Councillor Ann Ross for Banchory and Mid Deeside resigned during the budget meeting.
Last updated 22nd Feb 2024
Conservative Councillor Ann Ross has resigned during Aberdeenshire Council's crucial budget meeting.
The Banchory and Mid Deeside councillor abstained from the vote claiming she cannot support a budget whose priorities will be "so fundamentally detrimental to the constituents" of her ward.
She then quit the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Group and Party announcing she will now stand as an independent councillor.
The Lord Provost interjected due to it being a separate matter and consulted the legal officer, who explained Cllr Ross had the right to speak.
Cllr Ross, who was in attendance over Teams, replied: "I think I've said all I needed to say."
Councillor Gillian Owen called a five minute recess to address the matter.
The local authority is currently deciding on its budget for 2024/2025 as they look to fill a £34.45 million funding gap.
Council leader Gillian Owen has already confirmed a council tax freeze following further support from the Scottish Government.