South Ayrshire Council elect new leader

Feb 5 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SOUTH Ayrshire Council has a new leader.

Tory Bill McIntosh was appointed at a special meeting on Wednesday morning.

It follows the retirement of former le ader Hugh Hunter, who quit after 2½ years in the job.

Councillors were asked to approve the appointment of Mr McIntosh, who had already succeeded Mr Hunter as Conservative group leader.

He won the post with 14 votes, 12 Tory and two Independent. The six Labour councillors voting for their leader John McDowall. The nine SNP councillors abstained.

Now council sources say the new man in charge has a tough job.

One councillor told the Post: “The timing is quite strange when you consider we have the budget coming up and there’s a lot of talk about just why Hugh has gone.

“There has long been rumours of unhappiness within the Conservative group, but it was still a shock when Hugh stepped down.

“The question we’re all asking now is what kind of leadership Bill will bring to the council?”

Mr Hunter’s retirement initially threw the council into a state of flux, with possible rivals to Mr McIntosh jostling for the top job.

Speculation mounted that Independent councillor Douglas Campbell would launch his own bid for power.

But it is understood that the former Labour group leader turned Independent decided against running, which leaves a status quo with a minority Conservative administration.

In his resignation letter to council chief executive David Anderson, Mr Hunter confessed a “new era of leadership” is required.

He said: “They have been characterised by ambition, drive and energy and huge progress has been made. It has been delivered by having a clear focus on the needs of South Ayrshire’s people and how these needs are best addressed.

“It has required hard work by me, my fellow portfolio holders, elected members across the chamber, the staff in South Ayrshire Council, our partner organisations and community groups.

“The future looks equally challenging. The council will have a sharp focus on front line services during an era of severe budget constraints.

“There are elections on the horizon for Westminster in the coming months, for the Scottish Parliament next year, and for South Ayrshire Council the following year.

“I have decided that it is time for a new era of leadership to lead the Conservative group and council into the challenges that lie ahead.”

Mr Hunter will remain as a councillor for Prestwick.

LEADER QUITS: Councillor Hugh Hunter.