Tory council leader steps down over 'jobs for pals' recording

The leader of South Ayrshire Council has temporarily stepped down over a secret recording in which he appears to suggest he can help award contracts to "pals".

The Sunday Mail reported that it was given a 2023 tape of Martin Dowey, in which he calls council officers "useless" and boasts that "all the top ones I can sack".

The Conservative councillor also appears to promise help to secure multi-million pound demolition jobs - including work at Ayr's fire-damaged Station Hotel.

Cllr Dowey, 56, said he had "acted properly at all times" and requested a full investigation to "clear this up".

He said: "As a former police officer, I respect the law and follow the rules at all times.

"I reported this situation to the authorities when it occurred, and the company in question has not received any money from the council."

Cllr Dowey was a police officer in Ayrshire for 25 years before being elected in 2017.

He was a previously general election candidate for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and is married to Scottish Tory MSP Sharon Dowey.

He added: "I have decided to step aside temporarily as leader to prevent this becoming a distraction from important local issues.

"I would welcome a further detailed investigation to fully clear this up."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are in receipt of correspondence, and it is currently being assessed."