SNP group leader David Stocks has been replaced in the role after nearly eight years at the helm as leader of the party group on North Lanarkshire Council.
He lost out to his depute, Cumbernauld councillor Tom Johnston, in a leadership challenge vote at the group’s AGM.
Councillor Stocks admitted the move was “disappointing” after having been in the post since 2011, but insists he will keep representing his ward in Airdrie and will be continuing as a backbench member of the SNP group.
He told the Wishaw Press in a statement: “It was a great honour to be SNP group leader for eight years, and I’m sure it will take some time get over.
“I’ll obviously continue to work hard for my constituents and I have no intention of stepping down; I’ll be here right through until the 2022 election, and I’ll have more time to do other things, including in the ward.”
Councillor Stocks added: “I’d like to thank the great number of people from inside and outside the SNP who have contacted me with their best wishes.
“I was particularly happy to hear from colleagues past and present, thanking me for my help in that time.”
The Wishaw Press understands the leadership contest was prompted by division within the group about its continued stance in refusing to join the council’s cross-party budget sounding board.
SNP members have not participated in the advisory body – where savings options are outlined by council officials, to be fed back to political groups as they form their financial plans for the authority – in each of the past two years.
Last week’s election at the group AGM, held at the Civic Centre, now sees Bellshill representative Jordan Linden become the SNP’s depute leader; while councillors Paul Di Mascio and Greg Lennon are now business manager and secretary respectively.
New leader Councillor Johnston said: “The group has expanded and now has 31 members; it’s changing as councillors who were brand new [at the last election] are now almost two years into the job, and there are views about how the group should progress and mature.
“The SNP group will do what we think is best for local government and local issues; we had £2 million in the budget for a different position on janitors, and with plans for the closure of 18 major council office buildings, we want to see clear alternative plans for community hubs to be considered.
“We’ll be supporting Scottish Government policies where they come to the local government arena and doing what’s best for the people of North Lanarkshire as we see it – including progressing our own budgets as the opposition group, and building towards the next election to form the administration.”
Depute leader Councillor Linden said he was “delighted” to take on the role and added: “The opportunity to make a positive contribution and develop our approach to the issues facing North Lanarkshire is a real privilege.
“Our group works to be an effective opposition in North Lanarkshire – from our recent support for janitors, to standing up for community learning and development and championing the importance of classroom assistants.
“We’ll always stand up for local people and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues in the weeks and months ahead to continue to do just that.”
