ARGYLL and Bute Council’s new leader has described himself as “privileged and humbled” to accept the post.
Liberal Democrat councillor Robin Currie was confirmed as the authority’s new leader at a full council meeting on Thursday, September 24.
He succeeds Helensburgh councillor and party colleague Aileen Morton, who announced that she was standing down the previous week after three years in the post.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, depute leader to Councillor Morton during her time in charge, proposed Councillor Currie’s nomination and was seconded by Councillor Kieron Green. The motion was unanimously backed.
READ MORE: Tributes to Helensburgh councillor as she steps down as Argyll and Bute leader
Councillor Currie has been a member of the council since its inception in 1996, and has held elected office in the area for more than 30 years.
Councillor Currie said: “I feel very privileged and humbled to be appointed leader of Argyll and Bute Council.
“I would like to thank Councillor Morton for her work over the last three and a half years as leader. Her dedication and commitment to the post, and to Argyll and Bute as a whole, has been exceptional.
“I am under no illusion as to the many challenges ahead, especially in these unprecedented times we live in.
“I truly put out my hand of friendship to welcome everybody on board this journey to make Argyll and Bute a better place to stay, to work and to enjoy.
READ MORE: Long-serving Helensburgh councillor Ellen Morton dies aged 76
“We must always do our best to represent the residents of this area and work together as best we can for the benefit of all our communities.”
Delivering her final report as council leader, Cllr Morton said: “I want to acknowledge the support I have been given by so many to ensure the last few years have seen progress made by Argyll and Bute as a whole.
“Despite areas of disagreement we have worked together to ensure that the areas of greatest priority has seen the council speak with one voice and seen decisions made that will bring benefits across the area.
“It has been an honour to lead a council so dedicated to the wellbeing of its communities, who have also gone above and beyond in recent times.”
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