A MOVE to formally denounce Councillor Archie Drummond is to be put before elected members later this week.

Labour Councillor Bobby McGill will submit a motion of censure during a full meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday.

He feels his counterpart is failing to accept responsibility for breaching the Councillor's Code of Conduct – a charge for which he was suspended last month.

However, Cllr Drummond has since hit back, saying his fellow representative has misinterpreted his own words to try and "justify his mischief".

As previously reported by the Advertiser, the Standards Commission for Scotland ruling panel found him guilty of impropriety on three counts.

Following the decision, made after four days of evidence, Cllr Drummond said that he thought those on the panel had got it wrong.

However, Cllr McGill has taken issue with this – believing it to mean those involved in the process got it wrong – and wants to see him reprimanded.

The motion will be put to a vote this week for all Clacks councillors, except from Cllr Drummond who remains prohibited from attending meetings.

Cllr McGill said: "Where I have an issue is when he says in [the Advertiser] that all involved have got it wrong – everyone got it wrong.

"In summary, the Standards Commission got it wrong, senior officers of this council who gave evidence got it wrong, as did the more junior members of council staff who raised the concerns relative to Councillor Drummond to them.

"There seems to be a pattern here in as much they are all wrong except Councillor Drummond."

He believes these people do not have the opportunity to respond via the same outlet; as a result of his conduct and subsequent article he will table the motion.

He added: "However, I can and will because it's a disgrace that he makes out everyone, other than himself, wrong. 

"Although I should not forget that he would appear to have support from some of the more brighter amongst his fellow councillors, his word's most certainly not mine.

"As a result of his conduct and his subsequent article in [the Advertiser] it is my intention to put before this council a motion of censure against Councillor Drummond." 

This week, Councillor Drummond told the Advertiser: "I am aware of Councillor McGill's motion to the meeting of the council on Thursday, May 12.

"From what he is reported to have said to the Advertiser, the basis for his motion doesn't stand examination. I understand that he claims I said "that all those involved got it wrong". 

"Had he troubled to read the Advertiser's accurate report of my statement he would have learned that, with reference to the Standards Commission, my actual words were 'three people took the view that I had breached the code... I firmly believe they got it wrong'. 

"My comments are specific and made no reference at all to officers and junior staff. Councillor McGill is making that up to try to justify his mischief.

"He has definitely got it wrong but I don't think he will admit his error any time soon.

"He discredits himself and his party by building his argument on a falsehood. I have to say I am not surprised that Councillor McGill behaves in this way. 

"I am, however, disappointed that some members of his group, who I thought to be more honourable, seem to be willing to support his reported, inaccurate and false accusation."