IN the editorial of the paper on March 20, the editor stated that Cllr Stephen McCabe has played a ‘blinder’ in accepting a deal to ensure council tax is frozen in Inverclyde in the next financial year.

I’m confident most people reading this will be amazed that anyone thinks Cllr McCabe and his Labour colleagues, supported by Cllrs McVey and McKenzie, who voted to increase council tax by 8.2 per cent, have played a blinder.

They have needlessly dragged the people of Inverclyde through the wringer for the past few weeks, causing unnecessary uncertainty for local people and their household budgets.

Personally, I do not think that the local Labour administration in Inverclyde, led by Cllr McCabe and propped up by Labour Westminster election candidate Martin McCluskey, who also voted for the increase, should be congratulated for performing a u-turn at the eleventh hour – but heavily criticised for their political games.

Over the past few weeks, my inbox has been inundated with furious constituents emailing me regarding the proposed council tax increase – including those who have contacted me overnight, angry at the clear politicking that has been on show from Inverclyde Labour on this matter.

I suspect Cllr McCluskey has put pressure on his boss to do a 180 degree turn fearing for his election chances due to this almighty blunder Inverclyde Labour have wasted time, effort and money on this stunt, and the Scottish Government have not won either.

Stuart McMillan MSP