Statement: Convener clear on Code of Conduct
Statement: Convener clear on Code of Conduct
CNPA board member, Cllr Bill Lobban has made some serious allegations about the organisation that cannot be left unanswered.
The issue that has arisen is emphatically not about Mr Lobban’s right to speak out or support his constituents as a councillor. It is not about freedom of speech. It is simply about the duties imposed upon him and all of us on the CNPA board by the Code of Conduct which we all signed up to when appointed to the board. It specifically requires us to act at all times in the best interests of the CNPA.
As a councillor Mr Lobban also signed up to the Councillor’s Code of Conduct which states councillors must be ‘bound by the rules of any organisation to which they are appointed’. It also reminds councillors they have to assume personal responsibility for their actions when serving on another organisation.
Mr Lobban’s views with regards to the CNPA’s planning powers are completely at odds with what the CNPA board agreed when responding to the independent review of planning in Scotland.
Mr Lobban has been very outspoken about his differing viewpoint – to have the CNPA’s planning powers removed – and as Convener I have spoken with him about this. However, at no point was Mr Lobban asked to resign and steps have not been taken to remove him from the board.
As Convenor I have responsibility for the working of the Board and seeking to ensure that the work and actions of all Board members – individually and collectively – act to meet the objectives of the National Park Authority. My actions and discussions were directed solely to try to resolve a situation of a Board member’s personal opinion being at odds with the agreed policy of the Board.
Peter Argyle, CNPA Convener
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 3 August at 6pm
All the latest from the ground at the Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire, including an update on the cordon at Glenmore.
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 31 July at 10.30pm
An update from Gavin Miles, Director of Planning and Place at the Park Authority, on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Glenmore and Strath Nethy wildfire update, 30 July at 9.30pm
An update from the scene of the wildfire with the Park Authority's Agricultural Advisor Malcolm Smith.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Due to the this wildfire incident, the following paths and routes are closed:
- All the paths around Loch Morlich, Glenmore and Badaguish are closed.
- The Ryvoan pass is closed, this includes all access to the Green Lochan (Lochan Uaine).
- Routes providing access to Cairngorm, the Northern Corries, Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Strath Nethy and Bynack More should be avoided.
- The Abernethy Forest area to the south of Forest Lodge and towards Ryvoan bothy is closed.