A NEW senior councillor post created to allegedly “patch up differences in the SNP” administration has gone to the opposition in an ironic twist of fate.

The Labour group claimed the new ‘Portfolio holder for Partnership, Equality and Diversity’ had been drawn up specifically for Nationalist Craig Holden after he announced he would step down as depute council leader.

Indeed, Mr Holden put forward his name when nominations were sought for the new position.

However, as Labour also gave a nomination – for their own councillor Kenny Earle – the decision rested not with a vote by elected members but the cutting of a deck of playing cards as per rules of fair governance.

With Mr Earle drawing the 9 of Spades and Mr Holden the 2 of Diamonds, it meant the post went to the Labour councillor. As portfolio holder, Mr Earle will be responsible for third sector funding, the role of the third sector in the delivery of public sector reform and equality and diversity among others.

Speaking after the meeting, he said, “I am absolutely delighted to accept the position as Portfolio Holder for Partnership, Equality and Diversity, and I see the involvement of the Third Sector as crucial to the social and economic development of Clackmannanshire. My past experience as Portfolio for Partnership will stand me in good stead.

“There are a number of organisations and volunteers in the Third Sector who are doing their best for the people of Clackmannanshire, and I look forward to meeting with them to discuss their concerns and aspirations.” The decision to create a new position caused friction at Thursday’s full Clackmannanshire Council meeting.

It was the first portfolio holder post to be created by the SNP administration since they took power in 2012 and scrapped all previous portfolio holder positions and transferred their responsibilities to committee convenors. Councillors heard that despite the role attracting a ‘special responsibility allowance’ it would be “cost neutral” due to movements by other councillors in senior roles.

Labour accused the Nationalists of creating a post to satisfy Mr Holden after he stepped down as depute leader of the council – a position that was later filled at the meeting by councillor Donald Balsillie.

Labour group leader, councillor Bobby McGill described the move as a “job for the boys” while councillor Janet Cadenhead said it was an “invented post” created to “patch up differences in the SNP”. They said the role lacked scrutiny, unlike that of committee convenors.

But independent councillor, Archie Drummond, defended the administration by saying it showed the council was willing to “do things differently”.

Councillor Holden added, “There are many areas this role touches on and it does not dilute the current committee structure.” Cllr McGill lodged an amendment to scrap the portfolio holder post which was defeated by the SNP administration following a casting vote by Provost Tina Murphy after a tied vote. It was then that the Labour group leader made the nomination for Mr Earle, citing his service on various committees and working groups in the third sector, and set in motion the ‘card cutting’ procedure.

Also at the meeting SNP councillor Les Sharp was appointed depute provost after Mr Balsillie stepped down from the role.