THE SNP group at North Ayrshire Council have a new deputy leader, it has been revealed, writes Paul Fisher.
North Coast and Cumbraes Councillor, Alan Hill, decided not to put himself forward at their recent AGM.
Taking over will be the Council’s Youth Champion Shaun Macaulay who represents Irvine West. 
Cllr Hill said: “Having been Group Leader in the past and Deputy Group Leader over a number of years, including the last four years in administration at the council, I felt that it was time to allow one of our newer elected members get some experience within the leadership team.
“We are blessed within the SNP in having an excellent group of very talented and well qualified individuals.
“Shaun was elected for the first time a year ago but has already shown his commitment to the council Area and has put in an enormous amount of work as the council’s Youth Champion.I am confident that Shaun will go on to great things and I am delighted to see him step up to this challenge.”
Cllr Macaulay said: “It’s a real privilege to have been elected as Deputy Leader of the North Ayrshire SNP group. Alan Hill has been an excellent deputy and his experience has been invaluable to not only our SNP group but the wider Council.
“The SNP group on North Ayrshire has abundance of talent and experience and as Deputy Leader, along with our Leader Marie Burns and all our Councillors, I will work tirelessly to provide the leadership that will build on the trust local communities have placed in us and look to work across political divisions to deliver for the people of North Ayrshire.

Councillor Hill will be carrying on as an active councillor.