GLASGOW's only Reform councillor has resigned from his civic role as Bailie at Glasgow City Council.
Councillor Thomas Kerr said councillors were preparing to oust him from the position at Thursday’s upcoming council meeting.
He accused opposition councillors of punishing him after he defected to Reform from the Conservatives last month and claimed the council chambers would be turned into a “Kangaroo Court.”
In a resignation letter to Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, Kerr has expressed his “deep regret and disappointment” about having to step down as Bailie before being pushed.
The former Glasgow Tory group leader wrote: “Since May 2022, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve alongside you as a Bailie of the City of Glasgow, stepping in for yourself and representing Glaswegians at civic functions and events.
"I’ve had the honour of meeting some of the most fascinating people from across the globe and showcasing just how wonderful the city of Glasgow is and how our people are by far the friendliest and most generous anywhere on Earth.”
He added: “Sadly, while the role is entirely nonpartisan, it has come to my attention that at this week’s full council meeting colleagues from the SNP, Labour and Green Groups intend on breaking long-held traditions by turning our chamber into a Kangaroo Court where they will politicise your office and this role to punish me for daring to stay true to my principles and values by joining Reform UK.”
Kerr told the Provost it was an “honour” to represent her at 17 civic engagements and 27 civic receptions including Armed Forces Day, The Queen's passing, The King's proclamation, twin city engagement, and baby’s first Christmas.
The letter continued: “This resignation is not something I have decided to do lightly, but I won’t allow your office or your position be undermined by those who wish to do further harm to our civic function by playing petty party politics with an office that has stood the test of time.
"The Lord Provost of Glasgow, her staff and office, are bigger than any one person or political group, it’s a beacon of hope for many Glaswegians who have felt forgotten or left behind – watching your office up close, I’ve seen the amazing charities and local groups who feel part of something and the work we do to raise their profile and help make lives in our communities better.”
The Shettleston councillor was first elected aged 20 in 2017.
A Scottish Greens source said: “It’s good that Councillor Kerr realises that he no longer has a democratic mandate to hold any of the offices he does in the council. He should resign from the city’s Licensing Board as well as from the role of Bailie, given this was provided based on the elected groups to the council.
“He should also resign as a councillor full stop but he is clearly not so confident in his new party’s appeal to risk putting his own job on the line at an election.”
