Council chiefs vow to keep up the good work

The SNP, Labour and independent councillor Danny Devlin have reached an agreement to continue leading the administration of East Renfrewshire Council.

The two parties agreed to work together with Councillor Devlin after the local government election results earlier this month produced no overall winner.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, leader of the SNP group said:“I am delighted that we have reached an agreement to build on the work and achievements of the last 10 years.

“East Renfrewshire is regularly quoted as being one of the best places to live in Scotland.

“The administration has a shared manifesto to continue to deliver our vision of a modern, ambitious council creating a fairer future for all.

“We will work together to deliver on our agreed outcomes for our communities and ensure that all the people of East Renfrewshire benefit from a council which is, innovative, people centred, caring, trustworthy and efficient.”

Councillor Paul O’Kane, leader of the Labour group said:“We have been working with the SNP group and Councillor Devlin for the last 10 years, so in essence this is a continuation of that arrangement.

“In that time we have delivered huge change for the people of East Renfrewshire. Our area is regularly named as one of the best places to live in Scotland; with local schools regularly named number one in the country, and local services annually praised by local people through the Citizen’s Panel Survey.

“We have invested in East Renfrewshire but there is more to do.

“There are very clear areas of agreement to continue with the previous administration programme of investment, growth and modernisation across East Renfrewshire by building new schools; continuing regeneration of our town centres; delivering more childcare for families and making our environment better.

“The last 10 years have been fairly harmonious and this agreement means we will remain focussed on the delivery of a local agenda in the council.

“We will ensure that all parties in the administration remain relentlessly focussed on making East Renfrewshire an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Mr Devlin added:“This agreement is about local services and delivering for East Renfrewshire not national politics.

“I am pleased to be working in the administration again to continue to make our community even better.

“Together we will deliver for East Renfrewshire.“

The council will meet on Wednesday, May 24, at 7pm in the council chamber when all appointments will be confirmed.