Aberdeen councillor faces probe over community cash

A top councillor is being investigated by Aberdeen City Council amid “serious” allegations of financial irregularities. Deputy Liberal Democrat group leader Scott Cassie is the subject of a local authority inquiry, launched following claims of irregularities.

The allegations are understood to centre on a four-figure sum of funds from Garthdee Community Council, which is chaired by Mr Cassie’s wife, Moira.

Last night, the councillor said he was aware that allegations had been made against him but not the details of the claims.

“Until I get them in writing, I am not going to comment,” he said.

A day of drama began at Aberdeen Town House when the authority’s ruling Lib Dem-SNP administration failed to nominate Mr Cassie as convener of the new planning and enterprise committee, a job he had been expected to get.

New Lib Dem group leader John Stewart, who was also elected yesterday to replace Kate Dean at the helm of the council, confirmed an investigation was under way.

“The council’s monitoring officer received an allegation against Councillor Cassie that will be investigated,” he said.

“It was a serious allegation and, depending on the outcome of the investigation, the Liberal Democrat group will take whatever action is appropriate.”

Mr Stewart refused to comment on the nature of the allegation or reports that his deputy had offered his resignation yesterday morning, less than 48 hours after being elected to the post.

Mr Cassie left yesterday’s key full council meeting after only half an hour.

Garthdee Community Council secretary George Laing said: “I can’t divulge anything.”

Another member of the community group, who asked not to be named, said: “I think we have got a community in shock.”

A local authority spokes-man said: “We are gathering information on the alleged irregularities and the matter will be dealt with appropriately.”

Police said yesterday they were not investigating any complaint in connection with the matter.

Mr Cassie was understood to have been a key player in the coup that ousted Mrs Dean as Liberal Democrat leader on Monday.

The timing of the allegations made against him could not have been worse for the Lib Dems, emerging on the day Mr Stewart was confirmed as the council’s new leader, replacing Mrs Dean after her six years in charge.

Councillors rubber-stamped long-awaited changes to the authority’s committee structure and elected a fresh team to take control of the new bodies.

Mrs Dean is to remain a major player at the council after she was selected to become convener of the powerful new policy and performance committee.

Her vice-convener will be Scotland’s youngest councillor, John West.

SNP group leader Kevin Stewart moved his rising star from the depute provost position to a more political role.

The Nationalists’ leader remains convener of the finance committee, with the SNP also taking control of the new education and social work committees.

Former city head teacher Andy May becomes convener of education, culture and sport, while Torry councillor Jim Kiddie will take charge of social work.

Council leader John Stewart will become convener of enterprise, planning and infrastructure – the post earmarked for Mr Cassie – while Lib Dem Aileen Malone will chair the housing and environment committee.

Northfield SNP councillor Jackie Dunbar becomes depute provost and Lib Dems Irene Cormack and John Reynolds take the appeals and licensing committees respectively.

The new council leader will officially take over from Mrs Dean on August 1.

He said: “I am pleased that I have been confirmed as leader of the council.

“The agreement that the handover takes place at the start of August is a sensible one for everybody.

“We have a good blend in the administration, a good balance and a strong team. I think it will work well for the city.”

Deputy council leader Kevin Stewart added: “I would hope that this new team gels together as well as happened previously.”