Deputy council leader to steady ship
There have been three different council leaderships since all 43 councillors were elected in May 2022.
The new deputy leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council has prioritised steadying the ship after three years of turmoil in the local authority.
There have been three different council leaderships since all 43 councillors were elected in May 2022.
Political in-fighting, coalition splits, and elected members quitting their groups have all led to a disjointed political makeup in this region.
As it stands there are: 11 SNP councillors, nine Conservatives, eight Labour, three independent factions – Novantae, Democratic Alliance, and Dumfries and Galloway Independent Group – along with a further three independents and one Lib Dems elected member.
This won’t make it plain sailing in the coming months for the SNP group taking charge of the council, but Councillor Katie Hagmann is determined to bring some stability.
She takes up the position of council convener and depute to new leader Stephen Thompson.
Councillor Hagmann said: “What our communities need most is a steady hand – one that ensures consistent delivery of quality education and social care, fosters a thriving local economy, addresses the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and improves vital infrastructure like our roads.
“Guided by the core values of our council, I’m committed to working alongside all elected members to protect our region’s future, support our residents, strengthen our communities and ensure we remain a council that listens and responds.
“Our administration will be built on cooperation – working constructively with all political groups to continue the implementation of our ambitious council plan.
“With eight years’ experience as a local councillor and drawing on my experience over the past three years as COSLA resources spokesperson, I’m ready to build consensus and find common ground to deliver real progress for the people of Dumfries and Galloway.”
Lochar Councillor Tracey Little, who previously served as Provost, will return to this civic role once again in place of Conservatives Councillor Maureen Johnstone.
The council also agreed who will now lead committee meetings.
Economy and infrastructure: Chair – Cllr Andy Ferguson; vice-chair – Cllr Tony Berretti.
Education, skills and community wellbeing: Chair – Cllr Tracey Little; vice-chair – Cllr George Jamieson.
Enabling and customer services: Chair – Cllr John Campbell; vice-chair – Cllr Ben Dashper.
Social work services: Chair – Cllr Andy McFarlane; vice-chair – Cllr John Young.
Audit, risk and scrutiny: Chair – Cllr Gail Macgregor; vice-chair – Cllr Carolyne Wilson.
Planning applications: Chair – Cllr Jim Dempster; vice-chair – Cllr Tony Berretti.
Sub Committees
Climate, environment and biodiversity: Chair – Cllr Dougie Campbell.
Employment and appeals: Chair – Cllr Tracey Little.
Harbours: Chair – Cllr Ben Dashper.
Pensions: Chair – Cllr John Campbell.
Review of standing orders: Chair – Cllr Andy McFarlane
Tackling poverty, inequalities and housing: Chair – Cllr Richard Brodie; vice-chair – Cllr Kim Lowe
Police, fire and rescue: Chair – Cllr Tony Berretti.