Calls for council leader Raymond Bremner’s removal over alleged ‘conflict of interest’ over opening of SSEN Hub in Inverness by Dunbeath/Berriedale Say No to Pylons Action Group
The leader of Highland Council has been accused of a “conflict of interest” for attending the opening of the SSEN Hub in Inverness that campaigners allege is a potential breach of the code of conduct.
The local authority is currently on its October recess so Councillor Raymond Bremner was unable to respond to a media inquiry but in the interests of fairness we will carry his response when he is able to reply.
Dunbeath/Berriedale Say No to Pylons Action Group has referred the council leader to the Ethical Standards Commission over his role on the north planning applications committee.
An unidentified member of the Dunbeath/Berriedale Say No to Pylons Action Group argued that because Cllr Bremner sits on north planning his interactions with SSEN, not just at the opening of the hub but in other areas, constitute a potential breach.
That is because the committee will determine a large amount of the £20 billion in investment planned by SSEN for the north and it is on this basis, with support from Communities B4 Power Companies, the complaint was made.
A spokesperson said the Code of Conduct “explicitly states that any councillor involved in decision-making for quasi-judicial or regulatory” such as a planning committee “must avoid compromising themselves or their council”.
They quoted the code saying it prohibits councillors from “organising support for, or opposition to, any application” – “representing or appearing to represent individuals or groups making representations for or against an application” and “creating a perception of a conflict of interest.”
The group continued: “It would appear that Councillor Bremner has breached these ethical guidelines, creating the perception, if not the reality, of undue influence when it comes to energy infrastructure projects.
“In particular, his relationship with SSE/SSEN and the energy sector, coupled with his voting influence on planning decisions, is cause for significant public concern.”
A spokesperson representing the group said: “Councillor Bremner’s leadership as leader of the council is now deeply questionable, and we believe his involvement with SSE/SSEN over the past year demonstrates a clear and consistent conflict of interest.
“We are calling for his immediate removal as leader of the council and from the north planning applications committee. The public trust in our council is at stake, and we will escalate this issue to the Scottish Government if necessary.”
Councillor Bremner officially opened the new Highland hub in Inverness on Thursday last week.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the Highlands as we embark on a transformative journey towards a low-carbon future. SSEN Transmission’s investment in the ASTI Offshore Pathway to 2030 will not only drive energy security but also bring lasting economic benefits to our communities.
“Through strong public-private partnerships, we’re creating opportunities for local jobs, innovation, and a thriving green economy that will empower our region for generations to come.”
Lyndsey Ward from Communities B4 Power Companies stated: “Communities B4 power Companies (CB4PC) and our rapidly growing membership of currently over 3700 stand beside Dunbeath/Berriedale Say No to Pylons Action Group regarding this justified complaint against Cllr Bremner.
“As leader of Highland Council and a member of a planning committee he has a duty to behave in an exemplary manner.
“His reported words at the opening of SSEN’s Inverness Hub were misjudged and ill advised and a complete shock to those battling to protect the Highlands from disproportionate industrialisation by Big Energy.
“His appearance in what is little more than an SSE promotional video is also called into question especially as the SSE representative makes clear any financial assistance from them for those in poverty is only for those living near their wind farms.
“CB4PC also calls for his immediate removal from the north planning applications committee and demands that he stands down with immediate effect from his position as leader of Highland Council.”
Raymond Bremner was unavailable for comment, as previously stated, and a Highland Council spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment on matters in relation to councillor conduct.”