Susan Aitken to step down as Glasgow City Council leader

Council leader Susan Aitken is stepping down in September after nine years in the role.

Cllr Aitken, the first SNP leader of Glasgow City Council, informed her group of her decision at an annual general meeting today.

The Langside councillor is the longest serving leader since the council was formed in 1996.

Her current deputy, Cllr Ricky Bell, the city treasurer, will take over as SNP group leader following a vote at today’s meeting.

"It's time to start passing the reigns"

A vote to elect the next council leader will take place once Cllr Aitken formally steps down at a full council meeting on September 10.

She had already told colleagues that she wasn’t planning to stand at next year’s council elections. Cllr Aitken will remain in her role over the summer, when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games and the £20m redevelopment of George Square is completed.

“We’ve such an abundance of talent in the Glasgow SNP group, a team which combines youth and experience,” the council leader said.

“After nine years in this incredible and demanding job, it’s time to start passing the reins. Once I’d decided that I wouldn’t stand for council again, it was just about choosing the ideal time for a change of leadership.

"Now is that time"

“Having consulted with my group colleagues, now is that time.”

First elected in 2012, Cllr Aitken was leader of the SNP group in opposition before becoming the council leader after the 2017 council elections.

She added: “Our party last week secured a record fifth electoral victory and we’ve got so much momentum taking us into 2027.

“Now, we’ll begin putting in place the leadership team that’ll continue delivering for this city and its people.”

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