Public Money and SNP Politicians


I've decided to ask the obvious question of Keith Brown MSP regarding the employment of Cllr Ellen Forson as his Office Manager even though the councillor has a £30,000 full-time, salaried job as SNP Leader of Clackmannanshire Council.  

Seems like an impossible arrangement to defend or justify, but let's see what the Deputy Leader of the SNP has to say - after all Keith is a former SNP Leader of Clacks Council himself.

Dear Mr Brown

Public Money and SNP Politicians

I understand the SNP leader of Clackmannanshire Council, Cllr Ellen Forson, is also employed as Office Manager in your local constituency office as the MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

I would be grateful if you can explain the nature of the councillor's employment in your office including the time commitment involved and cost to the public purse?

Because it does seem extraordinary that a senior councillor can draw two public salaries at the same time, especially as the role of Council Leader has already been designated as a full-time commitment and paid accordingly - in accordance with the legislation and nationally agreed scheme covering councillors' salaries in Scotland.

I realise that I am not one of your constituents, but as Deputy Leader of the SNP I am sure you appreciate the wider interest in the way public money is spent by public institutions such as Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Parliament. 

I look forward to your reply.



Mark Irvine


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