First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tonight slammed the ousting of popular East Ayrshire SNP Provost Jim Todd.
The long-serving and hugely popular civic head lost his role this morning after Labour and Tory councillors joined forces to land a coup.
Labour councillor Barry Douglas took the post by 16 votes to 15.
SNP Depute Provost Claire Leitch also lost her role with the position going to Sally Cogley of the Rubbish Party.
The move has sparked fury within SNP circles as well as widespread tributes to the roles performed by both councillors Todd and Leitch.
And taking to Twitter tonight, Ms Sturgeon was among those to lament the fall of the 'Rock 'n' Roll Provost'.
She wrote: "Jim Todd has been an outstanding Provost.
"Sad, though not surprised, the Labour and Tories joined forces against him.
"He will be a very hard act to follow."
Praising Councillor Todd, council leader and SNP colleague, Douglas Reid, said: “He has worked tirelessly for our community and went to extraordinary lengths to be inclusive and to be a great ambassador for our communities recognised across Scotland and beyond.”
Todd was also labelled the most "famous provost in Scotland" during an emotionally-charged meeting.
Labour leader John McGhee said: “It certainly isn’t an attack on Jim Todd.
“To me this is us exercising a democratic right that we can put someone forward.”
Conservative leader Tom Cook said: "This is a minority administration but as it stands just now every senior position is held by the administration. I think it is time perhaps some of these roles were divided up a bit more."
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