MSP to donate salary

The deputy leader of East Renfrewshire Council, Paul O’Kane, is stepping down role after being elected to Holyrood – and plans to donate his council salary to local groups.

Paul will also quit as leader of the council’s Labour group and as education convener.

The new MSP, from Neilston, intends to carry on serving his constituents in the Newton Mearns North and Neilston ward until the council election in May next year.

He’’ll hand over his £18,604 civic wedge while continuing as an East Renfrewshire councillor.

Paul said:“I want to give groups a boost.

“My intention is to try and get to the groups that don’t always qualify for the significant funds.”

The education committee today will be his last as chairman and he added:“It’s important to have someone who can dedicate full -time to that.”