After leading her party to victory in Angus, SNP group leader Helen Oswald has now stepped down.
It has emerged that Kirriemuir councillor Iain Gaul has now taken the reins, with Paul Valentine as his deputy and Mairi Evans as secretary.
Although it is likely Mr Gaul will lead the administration, he said he would not comment on specific roles within council or committee ”prior to it happening.”
However, Mrs Oswald gave a hint when she said she was looking forward to him ”leading the administration.”
Mr Gaul was unanimously voted in as her replacement at the group’s annual general meeting after Mrs Oswald made it clear privately some months ago that she did not wish to continue as leader.
Mrs Oswald said: ”I felt this was the appropriate time (to step down) and I’m really happy. I think Iain will be a phenomenal leader. He has lots of leadership qualities and I am looking forward to Iain leading the administration.
”We are looking forward positively hoping we will have a lot more consensus in the chamber. I have enjoyed my time as leader and enjoyed lots of good support from colleagues and officers.”
Mr Gaul, who was returned for a third term, described Mrs Oswald’s tenure as ”difficult” because of ”bad blood” between the SNP and the previous Alliance.
The 62-year-old immediately got on the phone after his appointment to speak to non-SNP councillors and urge them to accept the hand of friendship and move forward for the good of the Angus people.
He said: ”Helen has had a difficult time as leader purely and simply because of what was happening within Angus Council. It is absolutely no secret to anyone who has paid attention to what’s happening at Angus Council that there has been a lot of bickering and in-fighting and dare I say it petty-minded vindictiveness.
”There was a lot of ideas put forward that were thrown out simply because of the person who put them forward. Helen had to deal with all that and it wasn’t easy and hopefully the new council will put all that petty-minded rubbish behind them and work together.”
Mr Gaul added: “As SNP leader I was on the phone until 10pm on Sunday night trying to speak to non-SNP councillors offering them the hand of friendship and to put behind us all the bad blood that’s been going on for the past five years offering to work with people, to be open, inclusive and move forward for the good of Angus.
“Angus Council’s reputation has suffered greatly because of the bickering and petty mindedness but that is done and dusted and we are in a new era. I don’t have the mindset or inclination to go for revenge politics it does nobody any good and actually does harm to Angus.
“I want Angus back to being a council that provides good quality service as economically as possible and for Angus to get back to its rightful place. Historically we have always punched above our weight and if I have my way we will get back to that.
“If things go to plan you will see great changes within Angus Council hopefully all for the better.”