Moray SNP council group have elected a new leadership team with Forres Councillor Scott Lawrence taking up the position of Leader and Buckie Councillor Sonya Warren selected as Deputy Leader.
The change in leadership followed the successful election of former Co leader Graham Leadbitter as an MP and Councillor Shona Morrison stepping down from her role as Co Leader.
The SNP is the official opposition group in Moray Council currently with seven members.
On being appointed as group leader Cllr Lawrence said:
“It is an absolute privilege to be asked to represent the SNP group as leader.
“I would Like to thank Graham and Shona for their leadership over the last seven years and look forward to taking on the role.
“I have learned a lot since becoming a Councillor over two years ago and look forward to continue contributing to the group, the party and Moray Council in my new role
“With financial pressures emanating from Westminster there will be a lot of tough decisions ahead.
“Our group will always do our best to represent the interests of our communities and find ways to protect services and jobs wherever we can.
“I look forward to the responsibility of speaking for a group full of talented people that represents every part of Moray.
“Of particular concern just now is the threatened removal of £38 Million worth of funding that was to regenerate Elgin through a variety of projects.
“These projects would be transformational for people not just in Elgin but all over Moray.
“The new UK Labour Government has caused a great deal of uncertainty around this and I am sure it will be a hot topic in the upcoming Elgin south council by-election.”
On being appointed the groups deputy leader Cllr Warren added
“I am delighted to be asked to be deputy leader of the group, I hope to use my experience as a councillor to help the group navigate the tough decisions ahead and find the best outcomes for the people of Moray.”
