Gibson Will Now Represent Stirling Council on External Bodies
Stirling SNP Councillors have condemned the Tories and Labour for overturning sanctions on a Labour Councillor found guilty of bullying behaviour and misconduct.
At a meeting of Stirling Council on Thursday 10th October, a previous SNP motion preventing Cllr Danny Gibson from representing Stirling Council on external bodies was overturned by Labour and Tory votes.
In June 2023, Cllr Gibson was found by the Standards Commission to have breached the Councillors’ Code of Conduct for behaving disrespectfully towards council officers, and for having bullied a senior council officer. Cllr Gibson was suspended for a period of five months.
The move comes after Mr Gibson was recently confirmed as the Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, which will lead on anti-bullying efforts in Stirling’s schools.
SNP Councillor Gerry McLaughlan said:
‘I’m extremely disappointed Labour felt the need to appoint Cllr Gibson to external bodies, despite the decision in 2023. We argued at the time that bullying of individuals or groups is a disgraceful act and under no circumstances will it be condoned by this Council. The Council voted by 15 votes to 4 and yet here we are with Labour and the Tories working together to overturn that overwhelming decision. Political desperation makes strange bedfellows indeed.’
Cllr Rosemary Fraser said:
‘This sends out a dreadful signal to Stirling’s children and young people – that bullies won’t be punished or held accountable by Stirling Council, and instead will be promoted. The Tories have put money and committee positions above their principles to continue their partnership with Labour. What a shameful episode for Stirling Council.’