FIFE Council Labour Group elected a new leader and depute leader at its meeting on Monday night, following the resignation of Lochs councillor Alex Rowley, which takes effect from the Fife Council meeting of 20th February.

David Ross, who represents the Kirkcaldy North ward on Fife Council, was elected as Leader and Lesley Laird, who represents Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay, was elected Depute Leader.

Councillor Ross said, “We have made good progress since taking over the administration of Fife Council 20 months ago but there is much still to be done. “I am determined to continue with major programmes on apprenticeships, jobs, support for early years and families, and new build housing as well as making improvements in services whilst cutting waste and bureaucracy. Tackling poverty and deprivation will also be a central theme for the administration. I would like to pay tribute to Alex Rowley who has led the Council with real vision and great energy during his term of office. I know he will continue to be a strong voice for Fife as he takes up his new role at Holyrood.” He added, “The next few years will be tough as we face the challenge of a £92 million shortfall in the council budget. I will be making strong representations to the Government, in Edinburgh, for better funding for local services and in particular for education, health and social care.

“I am very pleased to have the unanimous support of my fellow Labour councillors to lead the administration and I look forward to taking up the role as council leader at the next council meeting on 20th February. I want to work constructively with all councillors of all political groups to tackle the difficult issues that are ahead.

Councillor Laird said, “I feel honoured and privileged to have been elected Deputy Leader by my fellow Labour Councillors and would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strong political leadership and commitment by outgoing Leader, Alex Rowley. “I wish him well in his new role as an MSP and know that he will be strong voice for his constituents and the people of Fife. Against the backdrop of reduced Council funding, and the challenge to deliver our services differently, it has been clear to this Labour Administration from the outset that the key to making progress is through partnership and joint working - an ethos that I am committed to and will continue to take forward in my new role.

“While there is still much to do, there is also so much more that we can achieve. I look forward to working with David and all my fellow councillors in a positive and collaborative way so that we can continue to make progress on the things that really matter to people” A by-election will be held in May to find a replacement for Mr Rowley.