Labour stalwart Alex Gallagher is standing down at the forthcoming Scottish local elections after 15 years as a North Ayrshire councillor.
Mr Gallagher, who has represented the North Coast and Cumbraes ward since 2007, today confirmed he will not put his name forward for the new North Coast seat in the May 2022 poll.
He said: "I have decided to retire after 15 years as Scottish Labour Councillor for my North Coast community.
"When first elected I identified two big challenges: we needed many more social houses in my ward to combat the scourge of poor and overcrowded accommodation and we needed a replacement for the increasingly decrepit Largs Academy.
"The new Largs Campus was opened in 2018 and developments at Flatt Road in Largs and St Beya's Gardens in Millport as well as other smaller projects elsewhere have gone some way to meeting the housing needs, so those two major aims have been met. Further council homes are planned in Largs town centre next year.
"I was proud to serve in the council cabinet in a number of capacities, latterly as the first ever portfolio holder for our Islands (to which I add Covid Recovery).
"I am happy to have set the blueprint for this new and exciting position and I wish well to whoever takes over the Islands portfolio.
Joe Cullinane, leader of both the North Ayrshire Labour group and North Ayrshire Council, said Mr Gallagher had been an excellent advocate for his community.
He added: “I want to thank Alex for the contribution he has made as a member of our cabinet. As cabinet member for the economy, Alex was heavily involved in securing the £250 million Ayrshire Growth Deal and supporting the development of our Community Wealth Building strategy.
"When he took on responsibility for our Islands he drove forward our 2030 Islands Plans for Cumbrae and Arran.
“I know Alex will continue to make a contribution through to the end of this term and I wish him very well for the future when he steps down.”
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