Councillor quits as chair amid Gypsy comment probe

Wendy Agnew has resigned as chairwoman of the Kincardine and Mearns area committee

A councillor who is being investigated over what has been described as potentially offensive comments about Gypsy traveller site plans has resigned as chair of a committee.

Conservative Wendy Agnew made the remarks at Aberdeenshire Council's Kincardine and Mearns area committee last month.

Her comments prompted a complaint to the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

The local authority confirmed Agnew had now stepped down from the role. Cllr Agnew has so far declined to comment.

The Scottish Tories are also investigating the remarks on November 21.

The item being discussed involved creating a caravan park site for gypsy travellers at Portlethen.

Aberdeenshire Council has since removed a short section of a webcast video to avoid any "potential offence".

A motion from SNP councillor Dawn Black called for her to be removed from the position of chairwoman.

It said that the committee "has lost confidence in Cllr Agnew in light of her comments" and has "concerns on her general competency" in continuing in the role of chairwoman.

Cllr Agnew resigned from the role hours later.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: "We note her resignation as chair and await a decision from the area committee about next steps."

'Short section of video'

Of the webcast, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “Following a review of comments made following the conclusion of a planning item at November’s meeting of Kincardine and Mearns area committee, it has been decided not to reinstate the short section of video concerned to avoid potential offence to viewers."

A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: “The party takes all complaints seriously and is investigating under due processes.”

Cllr Agnew represents Stonehaven and Lower Deeside on Aberdeenshire Council.

She has not been suspended.