Moray SNP group chose Forres councillor Scott Lawrence as leader and Sonya Warren from Buckie as deputy.
Moray SNP council group have elected Scott Lawrence and Sonya Warren as its new leader and deputy.
The pair are taking over from Graham Leadbitter and Shona Morrison, who for more than seven years were the local party’s co-leaders.
On being appointed cllr Lawrence said “It is an absolute privilege. I would Like to thank Graham and Shona for their leadership. I have learned a lot since becoming a councillor over two years ago and look forward to continue contributing to the group, the party and Moray Council in my new role.
“With financial pressures emanating from Westminster there will be a lot of tough decisions ahead. Our group will always do our best to represent the interests of our communities and find ways to protect services and jobs wherever we can.
Cllr Lawrence, who represents Forres, added: “I look forward to the responsibility of speaking for a group full of talented people that represents every part of Moray. Of particular concern just now is the threatened removal of £38million worth of funding that was to regenerate Elgin through a variety of projects.
“These projects would be transformational for people not just in Elgin but all over Moray. The new UK Labour Government has caused a great deal of uncertainty around this and I am sure it will be a hot topic in the upcoming Elgin south council by-election.”
The SNP is the official opposition group in Moray Council currently with seven members.
Cllr Warren (Buckie) said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be deputy leader of the group. I hope to use my experience as a councillor to help the group navigate the tough decisions ahead and find the best outcomes for the people of Moray.”
Mr Leadbitter, who represented the Elgin South ward, was elected an MP at the general election in July.
Cllr Morrison, meanwhile, is president of Cosla, the body which represents all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities. She will continue to represent the Fochabers/Lhanbryde ward on Moray Council.
