A GIRVAN councillor has been announced as the new leader of South Ayrshire Council.

Councillor Peter Henderson was elected at a Special Council meeting today.

He was unimously voted in to the top job by SNP, Labour and group members that make up the Council's Administration. 

Councillor Henderson was first elected as an SNP Councillor for Girvan and South Carrick in May 2017, and has been portfolio holder for Resources and Performance since 2017.

He takes over from Councillor Douglas Campbell who announced his intention to resign from the role of Leader earlier this month.

Councillor Henderson said: “I am proud and honoured to have been elected as Leader of South Ayrshire Council.

“I know the challenges we face in South Ayrshire, particularly as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with the uncertainty of Brexit, and I am fully committed to protecting essential services which help the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the employees of the council, whose response to the recent pandemic has been outstanding.

"Over the past 12 weeks they really have done a remarkable job. In exceptionally difficult circumstances, they have kept essential services running.

"They have made sure our young people continue to learn; provided critical childcare for key workers; supported local businesses; and delivered care at home to thousands of residents.

"They have also volunteered to help the people who need us most, delivering food boxes and prescription medication to people’s homes and helping and supporting local people who are shielding. I’d like to thank each and every one of them."

"It is now my privilege to carry on the ambitious work of this administration as Leader, working with our residents, employees and my fellow elected members.

"Together we really can make a difference to the people of South Ayrshire”

Councillors also agreed the following changes to Portfolio Holders:

Member for Leadership Panel–Corporate Portfolio – Councillor Peter Henderson; Member for Leadership Panel–Resources and Performance Portfolio – Councillor Brian McGinley; Member for Leadership Panel–Economy and Culture Portfolio – Councillor Siobhian Brown; Member for Partnerships Panel – Councillor Douglas Campbell; Member for South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board (Chair) – Councillor Julie Dettbarn and Member for South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board – Councillor Philip Saxton.