South Ayrshire Council in chaos says top councillor after Provost quits in "farcical" meeting

Chris Cullen says the local authority must quickly get its act together following a week in which it has threatened to fall apart.

South Ayrshire faces a "governance crisis" according to one leading councillor.

Chris Cullen, the authority's only Alba Party member, slammed this morning's "farcical" meeting at County Buildings which was cut short when furious Provost Iain Campbell quit in the chair.

It followed an ill-tempered and, at times, chaotic meeting which came at the end of a disastrous week for the council in which leader, Martin Dowey, has pledged to step aside from his role.

Earlier, councillors had voted narrowly to remove current depute leader, Tory Bob Pollock, from his position before the meeting exploded after alleged slurs were heard over the speaker systems being used by councillors taking part dialling in remotely.

Now Cllr Cullen, who represents Ayr East, admits the council faces a power vacuum. He said:

"The situation we find ourselves in today is nothing short of a governance crisis. Our constituents deserve a working council, not a chamber where elected members throw childish insults at each other and walk away.

"It is deeply disappointing that colleagues have resorted to this level of infighting over appointments. The council’s leaders must have respect for the job and for the public, not trade immature barbs across the chamber.”

The Alba Party councillor expressed grave concern that, amid the bickering and leadership vacancies, South Ayrshire is left effectively ungoverned. He said:

"This kind of chaos is unacceptable. Residents have pressing issues – from cuts to services to housebuilding delays – all of which is impacted by a council consumed by scandal.

"The handling of this crisis has been far from satisfactory, and it’s time for disputes and personal agendas are put aside putting the residents of South Ayrshire first.

"I remain fully dedicated to my constituents. I will continue working hard for Ayr East and across South Ayrshire, raising local concerns and pushing for solutions in every way I can.

"Voters may see disagreements in council, but I promise them that this Alba councillor will not let partisan fighting interrupt our duty to the people we serve."

[This article was first published in the Daily Record on 01.05.2025]