Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry has paid tribute to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as her 'inspiration' and 'mentor'.
Councillor Parry took over the role of council leader after her SNP group came into office at last May's local authority elections.
And she credited the First Minister's consistent success at the polls for paving the way for her win and those of fellow SNP colleagues.
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Speaking following Ms Sturgeon's decision to step down as party leader and First Minister, she said: "I am so grateful to the First Minister for her service and contribution to public life.
"She has been an inspiration to me as a woman entering public life, a friend, a mentor and the hardest working politician I have ever known."
Councillor Parry worked alongside Ms Sturgeon as the SNP National Campaigns Director ahead of last year's local government elections.
Following the elections Midlothian Council found itself in a rare position of having a female council leader, a female Provost in SNP councillor Debbi McCall and female chief executive Dr Grace Vickers.
Councillor Parry said it was the First Minister who blazed a trail for others in the party.
She said: "No one has achieved more in elected office for the SNP, for Scottish politics and for the people and communities of Scotland.
"Her electoral success has contributed to all of our personal and local electoral success and ensured that the SNP - the party that more people in Scotland still trust more than any other - are playing a key role in supporting communities, people and businesses at local as well as national level."
And she spoke of her sadness at the First Minister's decision to step down saying: "I respect and understand her decision, while also lamenting the loss of her intellect, foresight, energy, drive, passion and love for Scotland."
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