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View Full Version : Caithness man's top council post



Nwicker60
17-May-12, 12:47
Convener warns of "difficult decisions" ahead

A CAITHNESS man has landed one of the top post in the new-look Highland Council.
Following his appointment as convener, after the election, Councillor Jimmy Gray (Labour, Inverness Millburn) warned of the “difficult choices” that will have to be made in the years ahead.
He said: “Councillors will need to be fully committed to delivering the best possible services from the resources available.” The former provost is one of three senior members who will lead the new administration. He will chair council meetings and be the authority’s civic head.
Leader of the council is Councillor Drew Hendry (SNP), one of four ward members for Aird and Loch Ness. Elected to Highland Council in 2007, he is also Leader of the SNP Group on the council.
Deputy Leader is Councillor David Alston (Liberal Democrat), who is one of four members for Black Isle Ward. He has served on the Council since 1999.
They were elected today (Thursday) at the first meeting of the 80-strong council following the elections on 3 May. They will serve for five years. Other office-bearers will be elected at the next Council meeting on Thursday 31 May, when the committee structure is agreed.
Councillor Hendry said: “I am delighted to have been elected to lead Highland Council and look forward to working with all of those who want to see a better Highlands. This is an historic time, our parties have agreed to put political differences aside to work together on a positive vision for the Highlands and its people. We will work to support jobs and families through the challenges ahead and will seek to make the most of the many opportunities that the future holds for the Highlands.”
Councillor Alston said: “I believe that together we will take a business-like approach to the challenges we face and that each group will bring its own qualities to the task of running the council. Building the future of the Highlands will require determination, vision and creativity – and our team has the range of talent and ability to make that possible.”