FIFE Council's new SNP Group leader has given a clear commitment to ensure communities are at the heart of decisions on the Kingdom's future.

Dunfermline Central councillor Neale Hanvey, who was elected to lead the SNP Group, has said he wants to see communities have a greater say on local issues.

He takes over from Councillor Brian Goodall, who stepped down, for health reasons, as SNP group leader last week.

Councillor Hanvey said: "It is a real privilege to be entrusted by my SNP colleagues with the responsibility to lead the SNP Group.

"I would like to pay tribute, and give my thanks, to Brian for guiding us through some significant change in his time as leader, not least in welcoming four new SNP Councillors into the group as the party won by-elections across Fife". 

He added: "As we look forward to the Council elections in May, what’s clear to me is that communities across Fife feel detached from what they perceive as an increasingly remote Labour administration. 

"I believe passionately that communities should be supported and enabled to be at the centre of decision-making, giving them a strong voice that drives the direction of Fife Council.

"Whether it's closing schools, libraries, or forcing though their latest pet project against local opposition, this jaded administration seems to think consultation is a process through which it tells our communities what is to be done to them.

"I want to make sure Fifers are genuinely listened to and given opportunities to build capacity to empower their community. 

"In these times of a Tory imposed ‘hard Brexit’ and reckless austerity we need an SNP led Council that works with, and stands up for, Fifers as active participants in shaping the future for Fife."