Council leader says it’s time for a rest

ANGUS Council leader Iain Gaul has confirmed he will bow out of local government at the May elections.

Kirriemuir and Dean SNP councillor Mr Gaul said he was satisfied he was leaving the council “leaner, stronger and more focused” than when he took up the role — but the 67-year-old admitted being exhausted by the demands.

Mr Gaul said: “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.”

An advocate of the Team Angus ethos, Mr Gaul said his abiding memory of serving as a councillor will be one of satisfaction.

He added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the council, and I think I’ve made a difference. 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’d give to my successor. Your political views are there to let people know who you are, they shouldn’t be there to colour your judgment and decision-making.”

Mr Gaul’s departure will dovetail with that of the authority’s chief executive Richard Stiff.

The council’s strategic director for people, Margo Williamson, will take up the £120,000 post on June 1. In a cost-cutting move, the council decided to make Mr Stiff’s replacement internal, selecting from its current directors and heads of service.