New council leader David Ross has vowed to ruffle some feathers in his efforts to make Fife a better place to live.
The Labour councillor has replaced the outgoing Alex Rowley, who resigned following his election as MSP for the Cowdenbeath constituency.
Mr Ross stated it was a “great privilege and an honour” to be appointed leader of the council.
He said: “Alex has said to me many times if you want a quiet life and don’t want to upset anyone, then you’d do nothing and nothing would change for the better.
“I think we can all agree that Alex has ruffled a few feathers and upset one or two people in his time but this has always been because he wants to improve things and bring about positive changes.
“I know his sense of frustration that things don’t happen fast enough is shared by many of us in this chamber. I make no apology for the fact I will probably upset a few people myself in continuing to drive forward the positive changes we have started.”
Mr Ross admitted he faces a tough start to his new post, as an estimated 700 jobs are to be lost from Fife Council over the next three years as the local authority tries to tackle a £92 million budget black hole.
He added: “We all know we are facing challenging times but in taking over from Alex while my style will be different I share his passion and commitment to driving forward the same positive agenda on jobs and training, education, housing, social care, health and well-being and addressing the scandal of poverty in our society.”
Mr Ross, who represents the Kirkcaldy North ward on Fife Council, will be aided by Labour councillor Lesley Laird (Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay), who was elected depute leader. He also acknowledged the passing, and achievements, of former Cowdenbeath MSP Helen Eadie, whose death led to his eventual appointment.
He said: “In taking on this role I hope to live up to the example she set in caring about people and in her enthusiasm and commitment to the causes she took up.”
At Thursday’s meeting of Fife Council, fellow councillors also paid tribute to Mr Rowley, as he prepares to take up his new seat at Holyrood.
Independent councillor Andrew Rodger said: “Alex, to me, is a man who cares passionately about people, cares about what’s going on at this council and cares about the community that we’re in.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Brett added: “I’m sure he will bring to Holyrood the same verve and passion that he has brought to the leadership of this council.”