SNP council leader Aitken quits days after election – Daily Business

Susan Aitken: time to go (pic: DB Media Services)

One of the SNP’s most prominent and controversial council leaders has announced she is quitting just days after the Scottish elections.

Susan Aitken has decided that almost a decade in power at Glasgow City Council she will be standing down.

Ms Aitken made the announcement at the SNP group’s AGM today. Her deputy Ricky Bell has taken over as group leader.

Ms Aitken will formerly step down after the conclusion of the George Square redevelopment and the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in the summer.

She is the longest-serving leader since 1996, with nine years service, but it has been a period when she has faced severe criticism over the state of the city.

Litter, graffiti, broken roads and pavements, have prompted some residents to say they are ashamed of the city centre and prefer to stay away.

Work to create a network of cycle lanes and impose measures penalising motorists has been a particular source of criticism.

Retailers and the hospitality sector say they have suffered from the disruption that has driven people out of the city.

There have been questions about why the George Square scheme went ahead before the Commonwealth Games, causing the main city meeting place to be closed to visitors.

A vote to elect the new council leader will be held following Ms Aitken’s formal resignation at the Glasgow City Council meeting on 10 September.

She said: “We’ve such an abundance of talent in the Glasgow SNP Group, a team which combines youth and experience. After nine years in this incredible and demanding job, it’s time to start passing the reins.

“Once I’d decided that I wouldn’t stand for council again, it was just about choosing the ideal time for a change of leadership. Having consulted with my group colleagues, now is that time.

“Our party last week secured a record fifth electoral victory and we’ve got so much momentum taking us into 2027. Now, we’ll begin putting in place the leadership team that’ll continue delivering for this city and its people.”

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