The new leader of Fife Council will be the local authority’s current depute leader, Labour councillor David Ross.
Fife Council Labour Group elected Mr Ross as its new leader at a meeting on Monday night, following the resignation of Alex Rowley, which will take effect from the Fife Council meeting of Thursday February 20.
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.
Mr Rowley will step down as Fife Council leader on February 20, following his election last week as Scotland’s newest MSP.
Mr Ross said: “We have made good progress since taking over the administration of Fife Council 20 months ago but there is much still to be done.
“I am determined to continue with major programmes on apprenticeships, jobs, support for early years and families, and new build housing, as well as making improvements in services while cutting waste and bureaucracy. Tackling poverty and deprivation will also be a central theme for the administration.
“I would like to pay tribute to Alex Rowley, who has led the council with real vision and great energy during his term of office. I know he will continue to be a strong voice for Fife as he takes up his new role at Holyrood.
“The next few years will be tough, as we face the challenge of a £92 million shortfall in the council budget. I will be making strong representations to the Government in Edinburgh for better funding for local services and, in particular, for education, health and social care.
“I am very pleased to have the unanimous support of my fellow Labour councillors to lead the administration and I look forward to taking up the role as council leader at the next council meeting, on February 20. I want to work constructively with all councillors, of all political groups, to tackle the difficult issues that are ahead.”
Councillor Laird said: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been elected deputy leader by my fellow Labour councillors and would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strong political leadership and commitment by outgoing leader Councillor Alex Rowley.
“I wish him well in his new role as MSP and know that he will be a strong voice for his constituents and the people of Fife.
“Against the backdrop of reduced council funding, and the challenge to deliver our services differently, it has been clear to this Labour administration from the outset that the key to making progress is through partnership and joint working, an ethos that I am committed to and will continue to take forward in my new role.
“While there is still much to do, there is also so much more that we can achieve. I look forward to working with David and all my fellow councillors in a positive and collaborative way so that we can continue to make progress on the things that really matter to people in Fife.”
Mr Rowley has also expressed his intention to stand down as a councillor for The Lochs, prompting a by-election. Mr Rowley has indicated this is likely to be timed to coincide with the European elections in May.
Mr Rowley has also stated that he will not be accepting any payment as leader or as a councillor given that he will be paid as an MSP.