COUNCILLOR Iain Nicolson has been re-elected as the leader of Renfrewshire Council for the coming year.
Backing from SNP members at the group’s AGM will now see the politician enter a third year in charge of the minority administration.
After the meeting at Renfrewshire House on Monday, Councillor Nicolson said: “I’m delighted the group has unanimously re-appointed me as group leader again.
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“More importantly the entire leadership team was re-elected. We have an excellent team in place which as Renfrewshire’s first minority council administration are doing a fantastic job.
“The position as leader can be challenging due to the vast array of interesting and sometimes difficult issues to be tackled.
“Every day is different and unique. It’s an interesting job but the best part is speaking with people from all walks of life in Renfrewshire and beyond.
“We have just delivered an excellent budget for Renfrewshire which will see record investment in our roads of £10 million for the next four years, and an ambitious investment plan for local schools of £28 million.
“Working at grass roots level with our communities will still be a key priority for the coming year.”
It is understood four of the group’s councillors did not attend the AGM.
Councillor Michelle Campbell welcomed the re-election on social media, when she said: “Fantastic council leader and fellow SNP councillor in Erskine and Inchinnan Ward.
“His leadership, hard work and dedication as a councillor is exemplary in both council and ward work.
“I am grateful to be his running mate.”
Gavin Newlands MP also revealed his joy at the result, praising the council leader for his work so far.
He said: “He’s done a fantastic job leading a minority council and recently passed a transformative budget, including £40 million on Renfrewshire’s roads over five years and £29 million on school buildings.”
The minority administration squeezed through its budget for 2019/20 at the end of February, despite a late bid from the Labour group to gather support for alternative spending plans.
A vote saw 21 councillors favour the minority administration and 19 the opposition.
The budget passed saw a 4.79 per cent increase in council tax, as well as the commitment to pour cash into roads, pathways and cycle routes and invest in school estate.
READ MORE: Renfrewshire council tax increase to 'benefit every single community in the area'
Councillor Nicolson had said the budget reflected the administration’s “on-going commitment to listen to what our communities are telling us”.
He added: “It treats people fairly and builds on our multi-year investments made last year to support employability, tackle poverty and enhance the local environment.”
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