Councillors who quit Dumfries and Galloway Tory group want decisions 'made closer to home'
Andrew Giusti, Chrissie Hill, David Inglis and Richard Marsh all resigned from the Tory group over the weekend.
Four of the Conservative councillors who quit Dumfries and Galloway Council's administration want vital decisions 'made closer to home'.
Andrew Giusti, Chrissie Hill, David Inglis and Richard Marsh all resigned from the Tory group over the weekend.
They have set up the new Novantae independent group.
Councillor Giusti, who will lead the group, said: 'Our decision to leave the Conservative group is driven by a strong desire to pursue a political agenda that is truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of our local communities.
'We were elected to serve our communities, but increasingly we have found that vital decisions affecting our region are being made without sufficient local input.
'We believe that critical decisions impacting our residents are best made closer to home, with direct input from those they affect most.'
The decision to quit the Tory group came just days after the Scottish Government announced it would not be progressing with plans for a Galloway National Park as it didn't feel there was enough local support.
Earlier this year, Dumfries and Galloway councillors were undecided on the matter.
However, at the meeting three of the councillors who have formed the new Novantae group backed a motion that the stance should be 'tend to support'.
Councillor Marsh said: The lack of genuine support for the Galloway National Park – an opportunity that could potentially transform our economy, tourism, and environment – is just one example of a broader failure to listen to the west of the region.
'This isn't about political point-scoring; it's about standing up for the people we were elected to represent.'
Councillor Hill added they had 'no ill will' towards the Conservatives.
A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: 'We wish these councillors well.
'The Scottish Conservatives are the only party delivering for people in Wigtownshire – and that will remain the case.
'Under Scottish Conservative control of the council, we've seen significant investment in the area, including in the George Hotel, the watersport centre, the Marina extension 5G project, the sustainable transport hub, Whithorn and the Wigtown local place plan.'
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