Gripes about London-based bus boss are 'sour grapes'

Published on Thursday 10 March 2011 17:51

CITY leaders have shrugged off concerns about the new chairman of Lothian Buses being based in London.

The Evening News revealed last week that former easyJet director Chris Walton will be the new chairman of the publicly-owned bus provider - and will be based in London and attend just seven meetings a year.

Labour councillors had called for the appointment to be put on hold and re-advertised following "dissent" within the council's recruitment committee about his selection as the preferred candidate.

But council leader Jenny Dawe said: "I think it is disappointing that this appointment to the Lothian Buses board has had these adverse comments in the media from the Labour group."

She said that the opposition to the appointment comes from "sour grapes" from Labour councillors about not being in power and being able to appoint who they choose.

"I am more than happy to recommend him to council and to Lothian Buses as the best person for the post. I am confident he has the personal and professional skills for the job." SNP councillor Tom Buchanan added: "There were candidates from a range of geographical areas. Indeed, there was one candidate with a very good CV that lives in France. It says a lot about this city and Lothian Buses that it attracts that sort of candidate."