'Bullying' provost quits after rant at woman councillor as he tells meeting 'deference shall be paid to convenor'
- Angus Council meeting was live-streamed on YouTube
- Conservative councillor branded Brian Boyd 'an absolute disgrace'
Arguing over obscure council rules made Jackie Weaver an instant internet celebrity.
But for one Scots town hall official, launching into a live-streamed rant about standing orders has ended in shame.
Brian Boyd quit as provost of Angus yesterday after he was branded a ‘bully’ for leaving a fellow councillor close to tears during a meeting.
Unlike Mrs Weaver – who was lauded for removing troublesome members of Handforth Parish Council from a lockdown Zoom meeting in 2020 – the businessman’s antics have forced him from office.
In a resignation statement, he said: ‘I recognise that my behaviour fell below my own personal standards. Therefore, I will continue to put Angus first and be standing down with immediate effect.’
Brian Boyd’s rant was live-streamed on YouTube
Councillor Lois Speed was visibly shocked
Mr Boyd – an independent councillor for Carnoustie and District – was chairing a meeting of Angus Council on June 20 which was live-streamed on YouTube.
He launched into his tirade during a discussion over a derelict piece of land, speaking over Councillor Lois Speed.
When she tried to explain she was about to ask a question, Mr Boyd got to his feet and snapped: ‘Councillor Speed, when I stand up, everyone here sits down.
‘I will read you out standing orders. Deference shall at all times be paid to the authority of the convener.
‘No other member will stand and the convener shall be heard without interruption. Have I made myself clear?’
Ms Speed, 45, apologised but was so shocked she left the room, apparently too shaken to speak.
Footage shows Conservative councillor Craig Fotheringham then interrupting proceedings to call Mr Boyd ‘an absolute disgrace’.
Jackie Weaver was praised for removing troublesome members from a council Zoom meeting
After a break, the provost is seen offering an apology to Ms Speed, adding: ‘I’m a very dramatic person at the best of times and I did go over the score.’
Mr Fotheringham later told the BBC: ‘He is a verbal bully. I don’t think he handles the meetings well at all... he’s made Angus Council look a fool.’
Mr Boyd, 59, was made provost in 2022 after cutting a deal with the SNP to help them become the ruling party in Angus.
The businessman, who will continue as a councillor, was censured by the Standards Commission in 2019 for being ‘grossly irresponsible’.
He had signed a petition that made false allegations about a local minister and accused him of being ‘homophobic’.
Angus Council wouldn’t say whether it had received complaints about his latest outburst.
