A council Provost has sparked outrage after using public funds to pay for a suspended councillor and a relative to attend a high-profile charity gala.
Provost's Table Funded by Taxpayers
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenny Duffy hosted a table at the Grand Snowflake Ball, an annual event for St Andrew's Hospice held at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The table, costing between £1,000 and £5,000, was paid for with council money.
Among the guests was Andrew Duffy-Lawson, the Provost's husband, who is currently suspended from the Labour Party in North Lanarkshire. The suspension relates to claims of inappropriate sexual messaging which emerged in July and are still under investigation by the party.
Mr Duffy-Lawson attended the event with a family member. Also present at the Provost's table were three fellow Labour councillors: Anne McCrory, Martin McCulloch, and Beth Baudo, each of whom brought a guest.
Critics Condemn "Pigs in the Trough" Impression
The decision to use council resources for the suspended councillor's attendance has drawn fierce criticism. Independent councillor for Motherwell, Gerry Brennan, stated residents would be shocked.
"It's clear Provost Duffy used council resources to take his husband to the Snowflake Ball," Brennan said. "This is not a matter of interpretation or political opinion, it's basic judgment, stewardship and respect for public money. The only honourable action is for the Provost to repay the full cost of his husband's attendance."
Another unnamed North Lanarkshire councillor said the move had caused internal friction, adding: "It looks like they are pigs in the trough, using public money for a night out with their friends. It gives a bad impression of the council and of the Labour Party."
Council Defends Attendance as Partner
When questioned, a North Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman offered a brief justification: "Councillor Duffy-Lawson attended the ball as he is the Provost's partner."
The Grand Snowflake Ball is a major fundraising event for St Andrew's Hospice, typically raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity. Attendees enjoy a three-course meal, drinks, and dancing.
The controversy centres on the use of public hospitality funds for an individual under suspension for misconduct allegations, raising serious questions about judgment and the stewardship of taxpayer money within the local authority.
