The new leader of the Labour group for Dumfries and Galloway Council has urged all political parties to work together to support families facing the cost-of-living crisis.
Linda Dorward, the former governor of Dumfries Prison, was chosen for the lead role just nine days after being elected as a councillor for the first time.
The Lochar representative has clearly made a big impression on her eight Labour councillor colleagues who unanimously elected her as leader at their AGM on Sunday.
With no political group having an overall majority following the election on May 5, Councillor Dorward has called on all elected members to come together.
She said: “It’s a real privilege to have been elected to represent Lochar ward and an honour to lead the Labour group.
“We have great team in the group, with a mix between long-standing councillors with a wealth of council experience but also six new members, who will bring fresh ideas to the council.
“At a time families are seeing their bills rise, and too many people are having to choose between heating and eating, the public will rightly be looking to their councillors to work together to support local people through these tough times.
“Labour set out a bold manifesto at the election including measures to help families facing the impact of rising bills.
“We hope all councillors of all political persuasions and none will come together, join us by bringing their ideas to the table and together deliver a council plan that protects and supports our communities.”
Councillor Dorward has been a public servant for 26 years, including working as a mental health nurse with the NHS for a decade and recently retired from her job as governor of Dumfries Prison.
Despite being new to politics, Linda will fill the shoes of retired Labour group leader Elaine Murray, who was council leader and also served as an MSP.
Councillor Dorward said: “Our diverse region has elected a range of councillors from different parties and no single group has a mandate to lead the council on its own.
“We need a new approach that brings the different groups and councillors together. Of course there will be occasions when we will disagree with each other.
“That’s politics and people are rightly passionate about their views. But I believe more unites us than divides us.
“That will be the priority of the Labour group and my appeal to others is let’s work together for our region.”
