Complaints filed against a councillor after an investigation cleared her over comments about the “Save Our Surgeries” group.
An incident occurred last September after a meeting. Councillor Colyer spoke with a clerk, and their conversation was broadcast by accident. She said SOS members should “get a life” and compared surgery closures to milk deliveries ending.
After people questioned her words, the councillor apologized. She resigned from some boards and asked for an investigation. After her investigation, she rejoined a group. The investigation found no rule-breaking happened, as the board lacked rules about respecting the public.
The board then made a rule about respecting the public. The watchdog won’t investigate the broadcast comment further. However, the SOS group filed two complaints with the council’s legal team.
The group waited before filing the complaints to respect the private investigation process. Now, they are appalled by the investigation’s outcome and are complaining about it.
The council and health groups won’t comment on individual complaints. One complaint represents the entire SOS group, and another complaint came from group member Syanness Tunggal.
The group complaint alleges Colyer planned to block questions and suppress discussion about the group. They claim she negatively portrayed them and showed disrespect to supporters. The group also called her comparison “disparaging.”
The group also criticized the board’s stance on surgery closures. They feel the board failed its core duties, as the consultation about closures provoked strong opposition. They think the board was prejudiced against SOS and has three requests.
They want an investigation into a “conspiracy,” believing someone tried to undermine discussion of SOS. Next, they want an external review of the situation. Lastly, they want improved governance for the council.
Syanness Tunggal filed her own complaint with the council regarding an unsuccessful job interview in April 2024. She applied to be a volunteer member of the MIJB.
Colyer accused Tunggal of asking “leading questions” and said Tunggal was “fumbling underneath the desk.” Colyer asked about Tunggal’s phone and questioned the “calibre” of candidates.
Tunggal has a public health master’s degree and previously worked for aid organizations. She says she recorded the interview after a question seemed “offensive.”
The question referenced her statement the prior day when she spoke in a broadcast about the SOS campaign. She felt the interview would be offensive and offered to record the process, but she was not allowed to do so by them.
Tunggal asked if the panel wanted her to just leave, thinking it would save valuable time. However, the panel did not agree with her offer.
Colyer said Tunggal should have been removed and contacted Alasdair McEachan for his thoughts. Tunggal’s complaint claims this is deceptive, implying Tunggal did not offer to leave.
Colyer stated interview questions were the same for everyone. Tunggal doubts this is true and wonders if others were asked about SOS exposure.
Tunggal argues the panel used “attack and intimidation,” differing from her career experiences. According to her, the panel showed prejudice, implying she was difficult. This was exposed in the broadcast.
The complaint alleges confidentiality got breached. Officers should have declared past interactions with SOS. She said she was shown prejudice during her interview.
Tunggal’s complaint letter has three further requests. First, she wants an investigation of the panel’s conduct, and the results should make councillors more accountable. Next, she wants “to clear my name” from defamation attempts. Lastly, she asks for a review of recruitment policies for better transparency and professionalism.