SNP, Labour and Independent group members, who make up the council’s administration, unanimously elected Councillor Henderson at a Special Council meeting this week.

Councillor Henderson was first elected as an SNP Councillor for Girvan and South Carrick in May 2017, and has been portfolio holder for resources and performance since 2017. He takes over from Councillor Douglas Campbell who announced his intention to resign from the role of leader earlier this month.

Councillor Henderson said: “I am proud and honoured to have been elected as Leader of South Ayrshire Council.  I know the challenges we face in South Ayrshire, particularly as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with the uncertainty of Brexit, and I am fully committed to protecting essential services which help the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the employees of the council, whose response to the recent pandemic has been outstanding. Over the past 12 weeks, they really have done a remarkable job. In exceptionally difficult circumstances, they have kept essential services running. They have made sure our young people continue to learn; provided critical childcare for key workers; supported local businesses; and delivered care at home to thousands of residents.

“They have also volunteered to help the people who need us most, delivering food boxes and prescription medication to people’s homes and helping and supporting local people who are shielding. I’d like to thank each and every one of them. I would also like to pay tribute to Douglas Campbell for his hard work and dedication over the last three years.”

He added: “In that time we have made real progress. We have been recognised nationally and internationally as an employer of choice, following our introduction of ground-breaking employment policies such as Safe Leave for employees affected by domestic abuse and Premature Baby Leave. We have award-winning services, such as our Procurement service, who helped implement Modern Slavery rules to ensure we don’t contract with anyone who exploits people through forced labour or servitude.

“We have made huge investments in schools and early years, enhancing and building new facilities and giving our young people state-of-the-art learning environments. Our investment in ICT has transformed the way young people learn, with new ICT suites being introduced in rural primaries. This investment extends to the wider community, with public access Wi-Fi now available in 20 of our facilities.

“It is now my privilege to carry on the ambitious work of this administration as leader, working with our residents, employees and my fellow elected members. Together we really can make a difference to the people of South Ayrshire.”