A TORY councillor has said her colleagues should “concentrate on the issues for which they are responsible” following a motion calling on the council to support a second independence referendum.

Council leader Jonathan McColl has submitted a motion asking West Dunbartonshire councillors to agree to “call on the UK Government to transfer the relevant powers to the Scottish Parliament to facilitate a legally binding referendum".

However, Councillor Sally Page said the motion does not consider items under council control. She added: “Here we have an SNP council leader acting in the same manner as the SNP Scottish Government.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

“Council and councillors should work to provide a service to the people of West Dunbartonshire in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

“Despite the increase in funding from UK Government, the SNP Scottish Government are presiding over a poorly funded police force, a significant drop in standards of education, a budget that COSLA have criticised for delivering real terms cuts to local authorities, a cap on student places that has resulted in talented pupils being turned away, a devolved benefits system that the Scottish Government pay the UK Government to run, an under performing economy and this week a granting of voting rights to prisoners in our jails.

“Councillors should use their time to concentrate on the issues for which they are responsible.”

But Cllr McColl said he was hopeful of securing support for the motion from across the council chamber.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: UNACCEPTABLE: Councillor Jonathan McColl challenged the slogan.

He told the Reporter: “The motion is deliberately written in such a way that supporting it does not imply support of, or opposition to, Scottish independence, but rather support for the principle of democracy.

“It has been more than half a decade since the 2014 referendum and not only have little of the promised democratic improvements been delivered, but we are being dragged out of the EU against our will; despite being told that the only way to retain EU membership was to vote for continued London rule.

“I would like to see a referendum held before the end of the year, but with the Conservative government trampling on Scotland’s right to decide our own destiny, it may take longer to achieve.

“I have complete confidence in the First Minister and fully support the path she is taking. Nicola Sturgeon will deliver a vote, and will deliver real freedom and self determination for our people.

“A number of colleagues cross party have expressed their support for a fresh referendum, and whatever their views on independence, I hope they will raise their hands with me in support of my motion."

The motion will be discussed when the full council meet on Wednesday.