A political shake-up has taken place in East Ayrshire’s ruling cabinet.
SNP councillor Elena Whitham is no longer depute leader after being elected as an MSP in the Scottish Parliament.
Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Jim McMahon has taken her place as second-in-command to council leader Douglas Reid who retains his position.
Councillor Claire Leitch has joined the cabinet after being replaced as depute provost. The Ballochmyle politician has responsibility for children and young people, inclusion and climate change.
The changes took place on Thursday at a dramatic full council meeting.
Welcoming his promotion, former miner Councillor McMahon said: “Being promoted to deputy leader will sit well with representing my community and the whole local authority.
“There will be a balance as the leader [Councillor Douglas Reid] represents the north of the area and I represent the south. It is really good and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The politician will have responsibility for community safety, roads and transport and community cohesion.
Conservative councillor Tom Cook and Labour councillors Neil McGhee and John McGhee also sit on the cabinet alongside SNP politicians.
Councillor Leitch joins the top power-wielding cabinet after Irvine Valley councillor Sally Cogley took her place as depute provost.
Ms Whitham will remain as Irvine Valley councillor as well as MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.
Other members of the cabinet include SNP councillors Fiona Campbell, Iain Linton, Clare Maitland, Jim Roberts and Jacqui Todd and leader Douglas Reid.
The lively meeting saw Labour councillor Barry Douglas win a vote to take over the provost role – replacing Kilmarnock South's Jim Todd.
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