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


Popular posts from this blog

Kentucky Fried Seagull

Hugh Fearnley Whitingstall is one of my favourite - and endearingly bonkers - TV chefs. The River Cottage chef has a some imaginative ideas for adding seagulls to the national diet - including a recipe for Kentucky Fried Seagull - would you believe. Here's what HFW has to say on the subjecy -  I think I'll contact Hugh - and ask if he'll join the TAPAS campaign. "Vermin with wings? Chicken of the sea? Or just an opportunity missed?" "First and foremost, before we all go on a mad seagull killing frenzy. In the U.K it is against the law to kill seagulls or interfere with their nests under the countryside and wildlife act. Some Councils are allowed to cull them however, and usually do this by either poisoning or shooting them. How to catch your seagull. Remember this is against the law in the U.K. I don't want the Men in Blue knocking at the door because someone said that Foodimum told them it was okay to catch and eat seagulls. It isn...
Read more

Can Anyone Be A Woman?

Image
"All we ask... is FULL RIGHTS as women" 🤡 The legal lunacy that led to the recent Tickle V Giggle judgement was fought for as far back as the 30s. The Trans Takeover of Womanhood - 100 Years of Madness premieres this eve at UK time 🍿 https://t.co/1nzx8gxNA3 #Womanhood … pic.twitter.com/cZOkBrKPof — MrMenno 🏳️‍🌈🎶 (@MrMennoTweets) October 2, 2024 Mr Menno's response to the absurd 'Trans Takeover of Womanhood' - is intelligent, well researched and hilarious into the bargain. A must watch!    
Read more