Trump politician to join Greens

Martin Ford quit the Lib Dems after more than 20 years

The former Lib Dem councillor whose opposition to Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort nearly scuppered the development is joining the Scottish Greens.

In December 2007, Mr Ford was sacked as Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee chair after his vote saw the Trump plan thrown out.

Scottish ministers stepped in and later gave the US tycoon's development, at Balmedie, the go-ahead.

Mr Ford quit the Lib Dems in January after more than 20 years in the party.

He said: "I have concluded that only the Green Party can be relied upon to consistently support policies that will prevent climate change emissions reaching dangerous levels.

No wonder there is a serious problem of public trust in politicians Martin Ford

"That alone is more than enough reason to join."

Mr Ford went on: "I have stood for election and been elected to Aberdeenshire Council three times on a commitment to support those ideals on the council.

"In decisions ranging from road building to airport expansion, all of the four main parties are still pursuing policies that will significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions while promising to reduce them.

"No wonder there is a serious problem of public trust in politicians."

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said Mr Ford had made a name for himself as one of the most consistent and persuasive campaigners for Scotland's environment.

"His principled rejection of Donald Trump's vanity golf course scheme was heard around the world," added Mr Harvie.