Council’s leader will quit in May
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller has announced he is to step down as a councillor in May.
The long-serving SNP politician, who currently represents the Strathmore ward, joins a number of familiar faces who will be calling it a day at the local authority elections on May 4.
After 22 years of public service, starting out with the Alyth ward of Perth and Kinross Council in 1995, Mr Miller said it is “time for me to hand over the reins”.
He became SNP group leader in 1999 and leader of the opposition from then until 2004 when he became deputy leader of the council. He has led the council since 2007.
Mr Miller said: “I can look back over my period in office with some pride from my time as council leader.
“The restoration of city status for Perth is one of those, being able to build the first council houses for a generation is another. What has particularly pleased me has been the building of many new schools across the county. I am especially proud of the council’s huge investment in the education of our young people, £57million in recent times and a further £125million over the next seven years.
“As a result of this new schools have been built, or are being built, right across our council area, creating a learning environment that gives our young people the very best chance in Council leader Ian Miller
life. Many more schools are already in the pipeline and it’s great to be able to leave that legacy which aids teaching staff and helps the life chances of pupils all across Perth and Kinross.”
Mr Miller cited a number of other in-progress schemes and plans - from the transformation of Perth Museum and Art Gallery to the Tay Cities Deal bid which he said “will herald a new era of opportunity and prosperity for Perth and Kinross and the wider region”.
He continued: “It has been an honour to represent the people of Perth and Kinross and a privilege to head the council over the past 10 years.
“It has also been a pleasure to work with council staff and fellow councillors, from all political parties, and
work in a friendly and constructive way for the good of all. I would also like to thank officers and employees of the council for their hard work and commitment to local people.
“I especially want to thank the people of the Alyth area, and latterly, of the Strathmore area who have elected me in successive elections since 1995. It has been a privilege to represent you.
“I leave the council in what I believe is its strongest ever position. Our bid for City of Culture 2021 is leading the pack and we are the bookies favourites to win the award.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the council. It is certainly a demanding role but at the same time very rewarding. It is nice to be leaving on a high note.”