AN EAST Lothian councillor has quit the Tories claiming that the party is obsessed with attacking the SNP, despite the authority being run by a Labour administration.

Brian Small, who also stood down as a councillor, accused his colleagues of being “heartless” and “letting down those who voted for them”.

In his resignation letter, obtained by the East Lothian Courier, the retired businessman, one of seven Tory councillors elected to the local authority in 2017, who had previously served as a leader of the group, said the party were in an unofficial coalition with Labour.

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“The Conservative group is meant to be the opposition, but their actions in recent times and in particular the recent budget are more reminiscent of a coalition partner – that to me is wholly unacceptable,” he said.

He also claimed the group had treated him unfairly by sacking him from three committees without any consultation despite his poor health. “I am currently fighting the curse of depression and anxiety, which has primarily been triggered by me trying to be a good, conscientious councillor, representing not just the people in my ward but throughout the wonderful county that is East Lothian,” he said.

“To treat someone who is struggling with serious mental illness in such a heartless manner is beyond my personal comprehension.

“ I cannot countenance working with people who could operate in such a manner.”

Councillor June Henderson, who leads the Tory group, said she was disappointed by Small’s resignation.

“We always gave Brian our support – whether it was as group leader, a member of our team on the council, or when he informed us he would be taking time off due to ill health,” she said.

Councillor Stuart Currie, who leads the SNP Group on the council said Currie was “courteous, professional and put his constituents first”.