Missing Tory councillors at Perth and Kinross Council's budget meeting

Two Conservative PKC councillors caused a stir when they failed to attend Wednesday’s important budget meeting.

Strathmore councillor Colin Stewart and Kinross-shire councillor Callum Purves were conspicuous by their absence at Perth and Kinross Council's biggest meeting of the year.

Both councillors refused to comment on the reason for their absence, but it is understood it was in protest at the four per cent council tax rise.

Deputy leader of the SNP, Grant Laing, said: “They did not turn up out of principle. 

“They do no believe in tax increases and refused to be led by the Lib Dems into a council tax increase.  Their other Tory colleagues did not have their principles.”

Their absence resulted in a stalemate for Wednesday’s important budget votes.

This meant Provost Dennis Melloy had to give his casting vote in favour of his fellow Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration each time to pass the 2019/20 spending package.

Tory council leader Murray Lyle refused to comment on the situation but conceded that he was disappointed two of his councillors were unable to attend.