Despite claims from SBC leader David Parker in this week's Border Telegraph, that all councillors had a free vote on December 18, the resignation letters of Watson McAteer and Stuart Marshall from Hawick suggest that, not for the first time, they felt pressure to fall into line.

“I have a growing concern in my ability to execute by role as an Independent councillor when any lack of alignment is met with shouts of dissent from within the [Independent] group and others in the council’s administration,” wrote Mr McAteer, a former divisional police commander.

“This may well help expedite council business, but I consider it at best unhealthy.

“In addition I find myself working alongside some in the [Independent] group that I do not trust and respect and I have witnessed behaviour, excused as ‘politics’, that I will not be associated with.”.

He added: “I cannot represent those who elected me in an open and transparent way without fear of petty censure.” In his letter of resignation, Mr Marshall stated: “I find it difficult as an Independent councillor to constantly hear members of this administration, some of whom are portfolio holders, repeatedly calling for me to be brought into line simply because I have a different opinion on matters which I deem to be of the highest importance to those I represent.” He said he would now be able to “vote on matters…without being party to any three-line whip arrangement.” Councillor Sandy Aitchison, leader of the Independent group at SBC, said: “I am naturally disappointed. These are two dedicated councillors who will be a loss to our group and I will do my best to convince them that they can achieve more for their constituents within the administration rather than outside it.”