New SNP Group Leader

There's been some 'change-at-the-top' of the City Council SNP Group, following their Annual General Meeting earlier this evening ...

... Frank Ross has replaced Sandy Howat as their Group Leader - and Frank will now become 'Council Deputy Leader', following this week's Council Meeting on Thursday.

At a personal level, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Sandy over the last 12-months, and wish him all the very best for the future.

Internal political-Group changes do happen, and the 'Edinburgh Labour' Group will continue to work constructively with the whole SNP Group on the Council - it’s important to stress that the local Labour/SNP Coalition will continue, as we collectively understand the importance of continuity and stability for Scotland’s great Capital City.

And I do now look forward to working with Frank, as the Council Deputy Leader, and both of our respective Groups continue to have every intention of ensuring this unique Coalition remains in place right through to May 2017.

Our Coalition-agreement remains unchanged, and our focus remains on doing what is best for Edinburgh.