MSP doesn’t want to lead council too

Nov 27 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

JOHN Scott MSP is a busy man.

And he certainly hasn’t got time to lead the council as well.

But an Ayrshire mini magazine carries a message from John – as council leader!

The MSP said: “I’m always happy to back Ayrshire events.

“And I’m proud to be the MSP for Ayr, and represent the area in the Scottish Parliament.

“But I’ve never been a councillor, far less leader of South Ayrshire Council.

“So that’s definitely a mistake in the magazine.”

Mr Scott added: “I’ve got plenty to do as MSP.

“And I imagine Councillor Hugh Hunter, who IS the leader of South Ayrshire Council, also has enough on his plate.”

Ironically, it was a former Labour councillor and provost who tipped off the Conservative council leader.

Gordon McKenzie emailed a scan of the magazine page, adding: “Have you been sacked Hugh? You’d better watch this Scott bloke!”

Fortunately, Councillor Hunter can see the joke.

And he told the Post this week: “This just shows that local government is the place we all want to be! “And while I sometimes think it would be ideal to have an extra pair of hands to get the job done, I’m sure John will quite happily stick to his own day job and let me focus on delivering quality council services for the residents of South Ayrshire.”