Moray Councillor Tracy Colyer rejoins Conservative administration group after investigation into comments
A councillor has been “invited back” into Moray Council’s administration after an investigation cleared her of rule-breaking over comments livestreamed by accident.
The complaints watchdog ruled that Councillor Tracy Colyer (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) did not breach standards rules by saying that health campaigners should "get a life" - because the committee has no rules about treating "members of the public with respect".
A newly-released report confirmed that the Standards Commission decided not to investigate further or hold a hearing over the comments, which were made after Cllr Colyer chaired last September’s meeting of the Moray Integration Joint Board (MIJB).
Cllr Colyer apologised “unreservedly” after her comments were queried, referred herself for investigation, and resigned from both MIJB and the board of NHS Grampian.
In a statement released to The Northern Scot, she said: “I am pleased to be working again with the Conservative Group and all other Elected Members in Moray, and I look forward to focusing on constituency work plus any committees I am privileged to be part of.”
Council leader Councillor Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative) confirmed that the councillor had now returned to the administration group.
She also confirmed that Cllr Colyer would not be rejoining MIJB or NHS Grampian’s board, as she had already been replaced.
No decisions have yet been made about whether the Keith and Cullen councillor will take on “senior responsibility roles”, Cllr Robertson added, but councillors will have to approve the appointment.
Cllr Colyer’s remarks included an accusation that Councillor Sandy Keith (Labour, Elgin North) brought up health campaign group Save Our Surgeries (SOS) for political advantage in the meeting.
The remarks were made during a conversation between Cllr Colyer and a committee clerk which was broadcast on the council website after the meeting livestream was accidentally restarted.
Cllr Keith confirmed he had accepted Cllr Colyer’s apology at the time and “was happy to move on”.
However, he said it was “shocking” that no rule currently exists which requires MIJB members to respect the public.
“The fact that the committee had no rules about treating members of the public with respect is shocking, and should have been self evident and must be rectified straight away,” he added.
A new code of conduct for MIJB will be considered at the committee’s meeting on Thursday (January 30, 2025).
The proposed new rules state: “Similarly, I must respect members of the public when performing my duties as a board member.”
Cllr Robertson said: “'After the decision, Cllr Colyer was invited back to the Conservative group.
“However, she will not be rejoining IJB or NHS Grampian as these have recently been reallocated.
“No decision has been taken on her taking on any senior responsibility roles.
“Any decision would have to be approved by the Council.”