Comment posted Council Elections: the tally in Argyll and Bute by newsroom.
It is a matter of public record that Donald Kelly declares himself to be a member of the Conservative party but does not join the COnservatove grop in the council.
He is one of the three founding members of the Argyll First group that really have brought change to the way many voters in Argyll now see local politics.
His local constituency have nothing withheld from them and have enthusiastically endorsed his position in a triumphant fist place .
newsroom also commented
- He did indeed. This was our mistake entirely. All the necessary connections have been made and we apologise to Mr Corry, to the Scottish Conservatives and to readers for the error.
Mr Corry’s win takes the membership of the Conservative group within the council to 3.
Recent comments by newsroom
- Serenissima waits for higher tide – and she has had earlier identities
We are, of course aware of that.
Watching at the time, what we saw her do was make marked changes of course over a short distance, some times at 90 degrees and at one point turning through 180 degrees three times in a row.
While some of this could have swinging to tide and current, the repetitions did seem to suggest controlled activity.
And it was only when she settled that her AIS recorded ‘At Anchor.’ - Update on SNP meeting
As we have said, the potential Holyrood candidate offered support for SNP selection against Mr Mackenzie, as we reported,is not a political figure – and that includes Mr Allan, who is certainly one such.
We will identify the person concerned when selection time comes around but not until then. Until that point, it is not the person offered the goodie bag who matters, it is the easy use of the patronage of the pork barrel to buy obligation where it might be personally useful – and the continuing failure of loyalties.
Councillor Semple is certainly much more experienced than Councillor Taylor and has held a range of senior responsibilities.
The ‘why not’ question is one for the party and it would be interesting to know the answer.
Councillor Semple is apparently to be given the Economic Development brief – which would be far more personally developmental than trying to lead, with no authority whatsoever, in the current circumstances, with party control now at the level of ‘submission of intent in advance and sign-off – or not’. - Good news from salmon farming sector: Marine Harvest breaks ranks and seeks ASC certification
The ‘end of the decade’ limitation is germane and explain why S&TAS rightly gave the news no more than a qualified welcome.
It is as admission that change is necessary, though – so it’s important to push for that to be sooner rather than at the end of 2019. There is no reason why it should not be. - Update on SNP meeting
The fact that Mr Allan was asked and agreed not to resign does not negate the fact that he was to resign – and should have done so.
Councillor McCuish was persuaded not to resign and will have to make his mind up at what point he puts the interests of his constituents before those of his party.
Sandy Taylor IS a novice councillor.
As a former council officer and not at the most senior level, it is hard to see how he would – if he were to be voted Council Leader – successfully translate to being senior to those who have been his own line managers.
The fact that he has not been able to protect his group of councillors from tightened control measures from party central does not suggest someone with what it takes to stand ground over those he perceives to be his seniors. - SNP meeting on Monday may be testing time for mega-coalition proposal
We’re not going to do a ’20 questions’ routine but, to let local politicians off the hook, it’s not any of them.
And we’re now taking a vow of silence.
powered by SEO Super Comments
Just a query.
You say that the Conservatives and Unionists have got two seats, as before. The Argyll & Bute website lists four Con&Un councillors: David Kinniburgh, Gary Mulvaney, Maurice Corry & Donald Kelly.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
But Donald Kelly is not a real Tory, is he?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Unless he did a last minute U turn I thought that Corry, of Lomond North altho’ he lives in Helensburgh, stood as a Conservative.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
He did indeed. This was our mistake entirely. All the necessary connections have been made and we apologise to Mr Corry, to the Scottish Conservatives and to readers for the error.
Mr Corry’s win takes the membership of the Conservative group within the council to 3.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It is a matter of public record that Donald Kelly declares himself to be a member of the Conservative party but does not join the COnservatove grop in the council.
He is one of the three founding members of the Argyll First group that really have brought change to the way many voters in Argyll now see local politics.
His local constituency have nothing withheld from them and have enthusiastically endorsed his position in a triumphant fist place .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
And Maurice Corry – whom you list as an independent?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
He was wearing a blue rosette at the count and looked and sounded like the genuine article to me.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
newsroom – I think BFOandC’s point was that Maurice Corry was on the slate as Conservative & Unionist, not independent as you have shown above. There are three Conservatives plus Donald Kelly elected.
Congratulations to Iain MacDonald in Ward 5 – evidently his driving policy of bringing some ‘glasnost’ to Kilmorograd has struck a chord with the electorate.
NB Neil MacKay was in Oban North & Lorn, not Oban South & Isles.
Interesting result overall – if Dunoon returns the same 3 (2 Alliance + 1 SNP) as last time, Alliance+LibDem+Tory will still be unable to form a majority administration, even if both MacDougall & R G Macintyre join them. But then neither would SNP+Argyll First+genuine independents… there will need to be some musical chairs amongst the party groups it would seem.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Has anyone heard the rumour that Robin Currie, Donnie McMillan and Rory Colville are forming a breakaway independent group of councillors, ‘Argyll Worst’, with the primary intention of aligning themslves with whatever group can offer them extra perks in the form of financial benefit for chairing committees etc, of nodding when told to, of conveniently forgetting whatever promises they’ve made their electorates, and of formation flipflopping at their leader’s command?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Obviously 1300 people in Argyll disagree! Power to the People!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Possibly the funniest post I’ve read this year. Thanks Robert, for raising a smile on this frosty morning!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Heaven forbid we get the same ruling group. Another few years of that lot would be a disaster.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
the snp have chosen today of all days to award the northern isles ferry contract to serco , i fear a political stitch up
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
And the wonder is that at the same time that Keith Brown is trumpeting the benefits of Serco as northern isles ferry operator he’s silent on the shambles that is SPT’s Kilcreggan ferry service. It’s obviously the big picture that counts, the small communities can go to hell.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
But you can’t be both a Conservative and Argyll First as Donald chooses. Well you can but why do represent a political party if you don’t intend to stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow party councillors? Saying that Donald is a fine Councillor, arguably the best in Argyll!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Maybe Donald’s not so much representing the Conservative party as just stating that he’s a Conservative voter in national politics – after all, presumably the vast majority of independent local politicians vote for one of the main parties at national level, but think that national party policies might be unnecessarily constricting – or inappropriate – when dealing with local issues at local level. I know this will be interpreted by some as just ducking the issue of committing to specific policies, and that this has been the core problem with the behaviour of Walsh & Co, but it’s surely a valid viewpoint for those local politicians who do have integrity.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Sandy Taylor , the successful first time candidate in Mid Argyll, is an SNP member
Like or Dislike:
0 
0