Council accused of 're-arranging deckchairs on titanic' during new leader vote

Council accused of 're-arranging deckchairs on titanic' during new leader vote


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BRIAN CONNOLLY WAS VOTED IN AS NEW LEADER THIS MORNING. 11:21, 20 May 2025 Experienced independent Brian Connolly has been named as South Ayrshire Council’s new leader. The Maybole member


was voted in to lead the council on Tuesday morning and will see fellow Carrick independent, Alec Clark, perform the role as his depute. Cllr Connolly has managed to piece together the


shattered remains of the previous administration which fell apart earlier this month. Four Tories quit their group and Martin Dowey resigned as council leader during a chaotic week at the


start of May. Cllr Connolly has now emerged to lead – but was accused of propping up a “re-arranging of the deck chairs on the Titanic.” Labour leader, Duncan Townson, said: “By voting this


way, we’re telling the people of South Ayrshire there are no consequences for bringing this council into disrepute.” Labour colleague, Brian McGinley, added: “The credibility of this council


is on the line. It’s important we see a change. “It’s very clear that the same people are in this administration, just in different positions.” SNP leader, Julie Dettbarn, said: “Over the


last year I’ve witnessed things in this place that I never expected and it goes way beyond petty political bickering. “It’s an unedifying spectacle to watch the chairs being rearranged with


the same people in them and think the public won’t notice – well they absolutely will notice.” Labour’s Ian Cavana added: “In my 21 years here, I’ve never known this council to be so low. We


have to change things. “What’s at stake here is South Ayrshire Council. This is just ‘same old, same old.’ People who’ve brought this council into disrepute are still here. Article


continues below “This is the same administration that caused these issues.” But new depute council leader, Cllr Clark, said: “I think Cllr Connolly is the man to take this council forward –


he is a trusted businessman whose integrity shines through.” Iain Campbell also made an incredible return as Provost, claiming he was now politicially removed as an independent.