| With his decision, Mr Letford appears to have handed control of the city council to the SNP, but voters in Charleston and on Lochee High Street told the Tele he should have stuck to his principles and remained with the Labour party.
Some even suggested that to take up the SNP’s offer of renomination as Lord Provost would be “backhanded”.
Sean Patton (37), of Elders Court, said, “I think it’s a bit out of order. If he’s not supporting Labour he shouldn’t get his job back as Lord Provost. What’s he going to do with the SNP? It’s a backhander.”
A number of people said they felt Mr Letford had stepped down in a bid to retain the trappings of office.
Lynne Robson (43), of Charleston Drive, said, “I don’t know much about politics, but I don’t think it’s right. He’s getting a backhander and he doesn’t want to lose his job.
“He loves being in the limelight — when he passes in his car you can see him waving like the Queen.”
Jamie Flinter (20), of South Road, said, “I see him driving about the place with the flags on his car. If he’s got good intentions then fair enough, but I think it’s all about him keeping his job.”
James Connelly (73), of Craigowan Avenue, added, “He hasn’t done much for Labour anyway. If you resign you shouldn’t be allowed to keep the job. He got his job as a Labour Lord Provost and should stay Labour.”
Peter Gowans, of Gourdie Place, said he was a Labour voter, and felt let down by Mr Letford’s decision.
“It’s self-preservation to stay on as Lord Provost,” the 63-year-old said. “He’s never been any good for the people of Charleston. I definitely feel let down by his decision. Labour has been good to him over the years.”
Another resident, who would not give his name, said, “He should have stuck to his ideals. I personally think he’s done a great deal over the years and he should have stayed on the party and resigned altogether.”
While pouring scorn on Mr Letford, Lochee folk also welcomed the potential change in the city’s leadership, with a number saying they were looking for “new ideas”.
“I really don’t think it’s right — it’s almost like he’s switched sides,” said another householder, who asked to remain anonymous.
“I think we need some new ideas really. Labour have had it for too long and they’re struggling. The younger generation needs to be uplifted and I think the SNP will do that.”
Bill Kidd (69), of Tofthill, called for the whole of the Labour party to resign from the administration, and claimed that they had become “complacent” after many years in power.
“They are not doing enough for the people of Dundee or Lochee,” he said.
“The place is getting run down and there is nothing coming in.
“I’m not an SNP supporter, but a new broom sweeps clean. Mr Letford is a great Lochee man, but it’s time to move on.”
But he also suggested that the SNP may have turned to Mr Letford for his experience in the role, and the benefits that continuity would bring.
Ian MacLeod (67), of Lansdowne Court, echoed his sentiments.
“How long have Labour been going on about this place and nothing’s been done? Lochee just gets worse.
“You can look at it very cynically, but maybe the SNP don’t have anyone with enough experience to be Lord Provost.” |
