12-01-2018. Picture Michael Gillen. West Lothian council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick Councillor Bruce Fairbairn agreed with Labour’s criticism of the Scottish Government’s constant under-funding of local authorities but said ”the budget could be so much better”. He told the meeting of the full council that Labour should be looking to build partnerships with business to attract thousands of jobs rather than hundreds. Labour leader Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “Once again West Lothian Council’s funding is insufficient to cover the costs the council will incur in the coming financial year so further cuts to services will again be necessary.