Bill Duff elected as Leader of Angus Council

The Montrose and District Councillor fills the post vacated after Beth Whiteside stepped down in July

Author: Dale EatonPublished 10th Sep 2024
Last updated 10th Sep 2024

Bill Duff has been elected as Leader of Angus Council following an administration group meeting on Monday.

The Montrose and District councillor, currently the finance spokesman for the administration, replaces Beth Whiteside who stepped down from the role in July for personal reasons.

Councillor Duff said: “I would like to pay tribute to our previous leader, Councillor Beth Whiteside, who led the Council from 2022 as leader of a new SNP/Independent administration. Councillor Whiteside had to navigate the Council through an incredibly challenging period, and I thank her for that.

“During her term in office, she has also overseen a continued gradual recovery after the Covid pandemic and the Council embark on its largest capital project, replacing Monifieth High School with a new Learning Campus, built to Passivhaus standards. Last winter the council faced unprecedented challenges as a series of severe storms battered Angus, particularly Storm Babet which caused extreme flooding to Brechin and other areas.

“I would also like to thank Cllr George Meechan, the deputy Leader, for stepping up after Councillor Whiteside’s resignation, and leading the administration until a new leader was appointed.”

During the same meeting, Councillor Brian Boyd announced his decision to leave the administration group.

He resigned from his role as provost after a video emerged of him shouting down a councillor during a public meeting.

Councillor Boyd will continue to serve the Carnoustie and District Ward.

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