AN SNP council group has announced its new leader ahead of a vote on the council's budget.
Councillor Chris Curley has been elected as the new leader of the opposition SNP group on Inverclyde Council, it has been confirmed.
The elected member for Inverclyde East will replace his colleague, Councillor Elizabeth Robertson, who resigned after fulfilling the role since 2020.
Meanwhile, councillor Pam Armstrong, the SNP group’s social work and social care spokesperson, takes the place of councillor Curley as depute leader.
Councillor Curley said: “On behalf of the group I want to thank Elizabeth for her leadership of the group since 2020.
“When Elizabeth intimated her desire to step back from the role, the council group wished her to stay but ultimately we respected her decision. Elizabeth will remain our education and communities spokesperson.
“Pam and I wish to continue in the manner that Elizabeth led the group with the emphasis on valuing the team we have in the SNP group.
“As a group we believe in constructive opposition, we will oppose when required but continue to engage and build consensus where possible, using all the talents within our council chamber.”
Councillor Curley said the “immediate challenge” facing elected members is agreeing the budget, which will be discussed at a special meeting on March 6.
He added: “We have made the decision to prepare a separate budget proposal this year and have identified a number of key elements we wish to take forward, which we will be publishing shortly.
“However, we firmly believe that nobody has a monopoly in good ideas, so we are open to developing a combined budget for Inverclyde Council.
“Looking forward to the next council election in 2027, we hope to build on the last election where the SNP received the highest number of first preference votes.
“That will not be an easy task but I know that as a group we can contribute to providing improved outcomes for the people of Inverclyde locally, and nationally as a party, through the campaign for independence.”
