Dumfries and Galloway Council agrees new leader and administration

Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed a new administration with immediate effect.
Councillor Katie Hagmann was elected convener, depute leader and civic head. Councillor Stephen Thompson was elected leader and depute convener.
The news comes following the resignation of former convener (depute leader/civic head) Councillor Malcolm Johnstone and depute convener (leader) Gail Macgregor with immediate effect.
Convener, Councillor Katie Hagmann, said: “What our communities need most is a steady hand – one that ensures consistent delivery of quality education and social care, fosters a thriving local economy, addresses the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and improves vital infrastructure like our roads.
“Guided by the core values of our council, I’m committed to working alongside all elected members to protect our region’s future, support our residents, strengthen our communities and ensure we remain a council that listens and responds.
“Our administration will be built on cooperation – working constructively with all political groups to continue the implementation of our ambitious Council Plan.
“With eight years’ experience as a local councillor and drawing on my experience over the past three years as COSLA Resources Spokesperson, I’m ready to build consensus and find common ground to deliver real progress for the people of Dumfries and Galloway.”
The Provost of Dumfries will be Councillor Tracey Little.
The council also agreed committee chairs and vice-chairs.
Committees
Economy and Infrastructure Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy Ferguson
Vice-Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti
Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee
Chair: Cllr Tracey Little
Vice-Chair: Cllr George Jamieson
Enabling and Customer Services Committee
Chair: Cllr John Campbell
Vice-Chair: Cllr Ben Dashper
Social Work Services Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy McFarlane
Vice-Chair: Cllr John Young
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee
Chair: Cllr Gail Macgregor
Vice-Chair: Cllr Carolyne Wilson
Planning Applications Committee
Chair: Cllr Jim Dempster
Vice-Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti
Sub Committees
Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Dougie Campbell
Employment and Appeals Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Tracey Little
Harbours Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Ben Dashper
Pensions Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr John Campbell
Review of Standing Orders Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy McFarlane
Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Richard Brodie (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
Vice-Chair: Cllr Kim Lowe
Police, Fire and Rescue Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti