Leader of Renfrewshire Council to bow out of politics at next election
The Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Mark Macmillan, has announced he won't be standing in next year’s local government elections.
The Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Mark Macmillan, has announced he won't be standing in next year’s local government elections.
Councillor Macmillan, who only last week was awarded the 2016 Scottish Local Politician of the Year for his work in local government, says he now wishes to pursue a career outside local politics.
The 45 year old was first elected to Renfrewshire Council in 1999 and became Council Leader in 2012 when Scottish Labour took over its administration.
Born and raised in a council house in Paisley, he has become one of the most respected council leaders in Scotland, renowned for his ambition for Renfrewshire and his personal commitment to social justice.
During his tenure, Councillor Macmillan lead the fight against the Bedroom Tax and gained national recognition for his work tackling poverty, low wages and unemployment.
As Chair of the 2021 Partnership Board and Glasgow City Region Portfolio Lead for Enterprise, he has spearheaded the cultural, social and economic transformation of Paisley and Renfrewshire.
Councillor Macmillan said: “I believe this is the right time for me to move on and build a new career outside of local government politics. This is a decision that is entirely personal and has not been made lightly, but it is the right one for me and for my family. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the town I was born and brought up in and I wish to thank my constituents and the electors who have put their faith in me over the years. I would also like to thank officers and employees of the council for their hard work and commitment to local people.
“I will not be standing in the Local Elections next May but I will see out my term of office as Leader of the Council and will leave the council in the best position possible for the future. I leave with huge pride in what has been achieved in the past four years by this administration and my fellow Labour councillors. We have taken action that has made a real and positive difference to the lives of the people we represent.
“The local selection process for candidates for elections next year will start shortly and it is right that going into that process that I make my intention clear so that the party has all the information available to make the right decision to select a candidate that will fight to represent the interests of the people of Paisley.”
“My decision presents an opportunity for me to build on the significant experience I’ve gained working in local government over the last 17 years helping grow the local economy, tackle poverty and ensure every person gets the same opportunity no matter what their family background.
“When I became Council Leader I made a commitment to local people and to my Labour colleagues that I would not manage decline, but would constantly seek to bring about change to make lives better. I remain convinced that this was the right approach”.
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale MSP said: “Mark Macmillan has been an extraordinary public servant and I would like to thank him for the outstanding work he has done for the people of Renfrewshire. While I am sad that he is leaving local government, Mark can be very proud of his legacy.
“After many years in office he has been instrumental in the changes that have been delivered in the region, despite the financial challenges faced as a result of SNP cuts from Edinburgh.
“Labour can make a real difference to people’s lives in local government, and the party will put forward candidates for next year’s elections who will fight to stop further SNP cuts.”
Councillor Macmillan continued: “Labour is transforming Renfrewshire’s future by protecting those who need our support most and fuelling local aspiration and ambition. From the most fundamental support – providing free meals to our most vulnerable children during the school holidays, to being bold enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with UK cities and believing we’ve got what it takes to win a City of Culture title – Labour believes in Renfrewshire. As a Labour Party member, I know that Labour will continue to build on the success of the past four years with the same ability, experience and dedication, after the 2017 election.”