The SNP administration in Renfrewshire have signed a confidence and supply deal with an independent member for the new term.
The cooperation pact will see Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, support the party in budget votes and motions of confidence.
The agreement will not affect individual motions that arise at full council meetings, which will be dealt with as normal on a case by case basis.
Council leader Iain Nicolson, re-elected to his position at Thursday’s meeting, said the “historic” agreement would provide the local authority “stable government” in the next five years.
The two parties will work together on addressing the cost of living crisis in the local authority in the short term and boosting manufacturing jobs in the long term.
Councillor Nicolson said: “We have set out some broad principles that we both strongly agree on, that is the need for multi-year and increased funding settlements for local government and to push for a fair and balanced method of funding for local authorities.
“However our first priority is to continue the programme for Covid recovery and to help our people tackle the existing cost of living crisis.”
Councillor Doig added: “Iain is totally correct, just as with Covid-19 when the council was in a state of emergency, we must again prioritise tackling the cost of living crisis.
“But also in the long term a key part of this agreement for me is seeking to boost jobs by re-industrialising Renfrewshire in the long term to recover our manufacturing capacity.
“That means more jobs, and that means more prosperity.”
As a consequence of the arrangement, Councillor Doig, who remains a member of the opposition, was elected to the role of convener of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board.
However, this development sparked debate in the council chambers, with the Labour group arguing the pact compromised Councillor Doig’s ability to effectively scrutinise the administration.
They put forward their own councillor, Kevin Montgomery, for the post.
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Councillor Iain McMillan, the group’s leader said it wouldn’t be “fair” or “proper” for someone in such a position to scrutinise the administration.
The concerns were dismissed by Councillor Doig, who re-emphasised his position as an independent councillor, and Councillor Nicolson.
The SNP leader, whose party returned 21 of 43 members at the recent election, added: “I’m under no illusions that Councillor Doig will scrutinise us. He will be an effective chair of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board.”
Following a vote, Councillor Doig was appointed convener.
Meanwhile, Councillor Lorraine Cameron will return as Renfrewshire’s provost, while Councillor Cathy McEwan will be depute provost and Councillor Jacqueline Cameron depute council leader.
The following appointments have been made by the SNP group to convene the policy boards:
Communities and Housing Policy Board - Convener, Councillor Marie McGurk and depute convener, Councillor Robert Innes
Economy and Regeneration Policy Board - Convener, Councillor Andy Steel and depute convener, Councillor Michelle Campbell
Education and Children’s Services Policy Board - Convener, Councillor Emma Rodden and depute convener, Councillor Jim Paterson
Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board - Convener, Councillor John Shaw and depute convener, Councillor Fiona Airlie-Nicolson
Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board - Convener, Councillor Michelle Campbell and depute convener, Councillor Stephen Burns
Planning and Climate Change Policy Board - Convener, Councillor Jim Paterson and depute convener, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane
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