Houghton withdraws from becoming Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader
Conservative Ryan Houghton has withdrawn an attempt to replace Douglas Lumsden as City Council Co-Leader after an outcry from opposition parties, namely the SNP.
Last updated 12th May 2021
Ryan Houghton will no longer become the new Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council.
He was set to replace Douglas Lumsden in the role, and had already taken on the job as Conservative group leader, after Lumsden was elected an MSP.
But and outcry led by the SNP over comments made by Houghton on online forums over a decade ago has derailed the bid.
Councillor Houghton said:
“Over the last 24 hours I’ve been incredibly grateful for the messages of support and congratulations from across Aberdeen.
"However, it is now clear to me that my nomination as Co-Leader has become a political football between parties and a distraction from the priorities which we are elected to serve the public working towards.
"This is despite being cleared by a QC-led investigation which reviewed all the facts, and the totality of my record of public service including working with and serving all communities in Aberdeen.
"Therefore I am withdrawing my nomination for Co-Leader.
"The focus of all politicians should be on the recovery of Aberdeen following the Covid-19 pandemic and this requires trust in the institutions of our city.
"There will be an urgent business committee on Thursday where the administration will bring forward its proposals for the council's committee places, following the election of Douglas Lumsden to the Scottish Parliament.”
SNP MP Stephen Flynn had written to Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar on this issue.
This because suspended Labour Councillors who have looked to repair their relationship with the party since Sarwar took over could have blocked the move on Thursday.
Mr Flynn had said:
“Given Aberdeen City Council now looks set to be co-led by a man who has made antisemitic, Islamophobic and homophobic remarks, I trust you will now seek to intervene and instruct your ‘colleagues’ to turn their backs on appointing Councillor Houghton as a Co-Leader of this great city.
“I have admired your work in the Scottish Parliament in the fight against all forms of racism and discrimination and you will know that actions speak louder than words.
“On that basis, I am sure you will agree that you cannot sit silent on this issue. Any failure to act will be an endorsement of the votes of your suspended colleagues in favour of this Tory Councillor.
“This announcement has caused uproar in Aberdeen and, given that the vote will take place this week, I expect an early response and even quicker action.”
Aberdeen Labour Leader, Councillor Jenny Laing said, “The Aberdeen Labour Group supports the decision Councillor Houghton has taken and agrees that the city’s socio-economic recovery from Covid-19 must come above all else.”