Angus Council leader Iain Gaul has confirmed he will bow out of local government at the elections in May.
In what will be a major shake-up for the authority with the departure of both its elected leader and chief executive in quick succession, Kirriemuir and Dean SNP councillor Mr Gaul declared he was satisfied he was leaving the council “leaner, stronger and more focused” than when he took up the figurehead role.
But the 67-year-old admitted being exhausted by the demands of being a councillor and said there had been some “absolutely horrible” periods during his tenure.
Mr Gaul confirmed his intention to step down just moments after Angus Council passed its 2017/18 budget in Forfar on Thursday, but said he had made “no secret” that he would not be putting his name forward for re-election on May 4.
“I’ve been a councillor for 14 years and for the past five years as leader I have been working 70 to 80 hours a week.
“Basically I’m tired, I’m done – I’m 67 and I’ve done my bit,” he said.
A passionate advocate of the Team Angus ethos – but not unfamiliar with the scrapes and spats of elected office and the high profile position – Mr Gaul said his abiding memory of serving as a councillor will be one of satisfaction.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the council, and I think I’ve made a difference,” he added.
“I know I’m leaving a council in a better position than it was when I took over as leader. It’s leaner, stronger, more focused and it will go forward in that way.”
“But there are times when it has been absolutely horrible. I didn’t become a councillor to make cuts to services, but we must work the hand that we have been dealt.
“I took politics out of local council as much as possible and that would be the message I would give to my successor.
“Your political views are there to let people know who you are, they shouldn’t be there to colour your judgement and decision-making.
“Your job as a councillor is to serve the people you represent, never forget that.”
Mr Gaul’s departure will dovetail with that of the authority’s top officer, chief executive Richard Stiff.
The council’s strategic director for people, Margo Williamson will take up the £120,000-plus post on June 1.
In a radical cost-cutting move, the council previously decided to make Mr Stiff’s replacement internal, selecting from its current strategic directors and heads of service.
Mr Gaul added: “I actually made the decision that this would be my last term in 2012, before the election, but the timing of the changeover of the current and new chief executive is not coincidental.
“I am working very closely with Margo Williamson – there will be a change to the structure but I am sure that will go well.
“The world is changing and digital has changed every walk of life.
“As a council we are now having to do things differently, but people are getting a better service than they did before.
“Why wouldn’t we give people more choices? Just because someone else is delivering it, that does not mean it will not be as good a service. Why would you expect the council to pay premium prices?”
