Perthshire Conservatives slam loss of Levelling Up funding for Perth

Councillor John Duff

Perthshire Conservatives have slammed the loss of Levelling Up funding for Perth, with Murdo Fraser MSP describing the announcement as “a massive blow” to the city.

The politician had raised the issue with the Secretary for State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, when he appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee and feels this decision is a “contradiction.” 

Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “This is extremely disappointing news, especially after I recently asked the Secretary of State for Scotland as to whether the initiative was off the table. He told me it wasn’t and that it may come back in the UK Labour Government’s Spending Review. So, to be told today that the funding has been withdrawn is a massive blow to Perth and contradicts what he told me.

“This was vital funding that would have helped make three community projects in Perth - the creation of a visitor attraction at Lower City Mills, an exhibition space at The Ironworks and a High Street outlet for micro-producers - a reality. All three projects in Perth would have injected new life into the city centre, providing a much-needed boost to the area. The funding, which was proposed by the last Conservative UK Government, would have benefitted businesses and visitors.”

And Councillor John Duff, Leader of the Scottish Conservative group on Perth and Kinross Council, added: “News that we will not receive the promised £5million is really disappointing and a double blow to the city. A lot of effort went into gaining this award in the first place and devising the three projects which were to benefit.

“It was snatched away at the budget and then dangled in front of us a few months ago when we were told a final decision hadn’t been made. To have it snatched away a second time is infuriating. The people of Perth deserved better.”

Liz Smith MSP commented: “This is very disappointing news for Perth. There were fears that the Labour UK Government would shelve the Levelling Up funding when they won the General Election but to now have this confirmed is a bitter pill to swallow for the city.” 

 

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Murdo Fraser MSP

Murdo Fraser

Murdo Fraser was born in Inverness and studied law at Aberdeen University before practicing as a solicitor in Edinburgh. In the 1999 Scottish Parliament Election, Murdo stood as the Conservative candidate for North Tayside, and fought the constituency again at the 2001 General Election. He became a Member of the Scottish Parliament in August 2001 following the resignation of the previous List Member for Mid-Scotland and Fife, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Murdo was Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives from November 2005 to November 2011 and has served as spokesman on Education, Health, Economy and Finance. Murdo was delighted to be re-elected in 2021 and is now Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism. 
Liz Smith

Liz Smith

Liz Smith was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011, 2016 and in 2021. She is one of four Conservative Regional Members for Mid Scotland and Fife. Following her long-serving role as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, she became Chief Whip in February 2020. Following the 2021 election, Liz took over the role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, now serving as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Public Administration, and chairs two cross party committees: those on Colleges and Universities, and Sport.
Cllr John Duff

Cllr John Duff

John was elected as the Councillor for the Highland Ward of Perth and Kinross Council in a by-election on 20 April 2018 and is currently Deputy Group Leader for the Conservative Administration. A former Police Superintendent, John was born and brought up in Aberfeldy, went to school at Breadalbane Academy, studied at the University of Glasgow and joined Strathclyde Police in 1981. He retired from the police after 30 years’ service and returned to Aberfeldy.