The degree to which people take an interest in politics and politicians today is often questioned. Notwithstanding this the decision of Councillor John Alexander to stand down as leader of Dundee City Council came as a surprise to many in the City.
Dundee City Council is distinct amongst Scotland's councils in having had an SNP majority administration since 2022 (the result then 15 SNP, 9 Labour, 4 Lib Democrats, and 1 Conservative). John Alexander has been council leader since May 2017. Councillor Alexander states he has taken time to make his decision and that it reflects personal considerations. A job with Scottish and Southern Energy awaits.
What may cause pause for thought is that as leader of the council John Alexander was an undoubted advocate for the city. Whilst he has suggested that he will continue to do this as an individual citizen, things are unlikely be the same. The new council leader for now is Councillor Mark Flynn, father of the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
Councillor Flynn takes on a role that involves addressing ongoing poverty, major housing issues and the unenviable impact of drugs deaths. Alongside this the planned cuts of the Scottish and UK governments ensure that Dundee’s future does not look bright.
It comes at a time when a Democratic Left Scotland backed campaign to relocalise Scottish local government is about to launch. The Building a Local Scotland Campaign is fronted by Esther Roberton, who played an important role in the campaign for the Scottish Parliament and in the Consultative Steering Group that put in place the structures for the Parliament and by journalist Lesley Riddoch. It is asking for real power for local government and the creation of more local councils to bring power closer to citizens. The campaign for a Scottish Parliament promised more local democracy. The 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament offers an opportunity to refocus on the need for really local and really democratic local democracy.
An additional consideration for the council is the sad and untimely death of friend of Democratic Left Scotland Councillor Charlie Malone (Scottish Labour Party). August 16th saw hundreds come together to celebrate Charlie's life. His experiences as a trade unionist at Timex, as an educator at Abertay University and as a councillor who actively built alliances to push for social justice on behalf of his constituents offer lessons for politicians but also for civil society.
Following tributes paid by fellow councillors and others, arrangements have now been made for by-elections in both the Lochee and Strathmartine wards on Thursday October 3rd.
Expectations might be that Labour will win the vote in Lochee and the SNP in Strathmartine ensuring the political arithmetic of the Council remains the same. But this scenario should not be considered automatic. We could see the SNP become a minority administration.
So what will be the composition of the council? Will the SNP hold its majority in Scotland's fourth city? And most importantly will there be broader changes to assist Dundee's citizens in responding to the ongoing challenges they continue to face?
Published 22 August 2024