Composition of Political Groups
North Ayrshire Council · 15 May 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 15 May 2024 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 15 May 2024 North Ayrshire Council Title: Composition of Political Groups following the Kilwinning By-Election Purpose: To note the change in the composition of the Opposition Groups following the Kilwinning By-Election. Recommendation: That the Council notes the changes in the composition of the Opposition Groups and that the Labour Group forms the main opposition with its leader being the Leader of the Opposition who is remunerated as a Senior Councillor. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The composition of the Council has changed as a result of the outcome of the Kilwinning by-election with the Labour Group now forming the largest political opposition group 1.2 In accordance with Standing Orders, the Labour Group will therefore become the main Opposition. The Leader of the Labour Group will be formally recognised as the Leader of the main Opposition and remunerated as a Senior Councillor. 2. Background 2.1 The North Ayrshire Council By-Election for Ward 6 Kilwinning was held on Thursday 9 May 2024 with the electronic verification and counting of votes (eCount) taking place on Friday 10 May 2024 in Nethermains Community Centre, Kilwinning. Councillor Mary Hume was elected to represent the Kilwinning ward resulting in the Labour Group having 10 members elected to serve on the Council. 2.2 The composition of the Council therefore comprises: • 12 SNP Members • 10 Labour Members • 9 Conservative and Unionist Members • 2 Independent Members 2.3 In accordance with Standing Orders, the Administration and Opposition Groups of the Council are as follows unless there are any alliances formed to the contrary: • The Administration – The SNP Group led by Councillor Marie Burns who is the Leader of the Council. • The Main Opposition – The Labour Group, led by Councillor Joe Cullinane.
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• The Second Opposition – The Conservative and Unionist Group led by Councillor Tom Marshall. The positions of Leader of the Council and Leader of the main Opposition are Senior Councillor positions and remunerated accordingly as agreed by Council on 18th May 2022. Councillor Cullinane will therefore be remunerated as a Senior Councillor. The Leader of the second Opposition Group does not receive enhanced remuneration. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Council notes (i) the changes in the composition of the Opposition Groups and that the Labour Group now forms the main opposition; (ii) recognises that Councillor Joe Cullinane as Leader of the main Opposition now occupies the position of Senior Councillor and is remunerated accordingly and (iii) notes that there is no enhanced remuneration payable to the Leader of the second Opposition. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 Budget provision is in place for remuneration of Senior Councillors. The substitution of one Elected Member for another as Leader of the main Opposition does not affect budgetary provision. Human Resources 4.2 None arising from this report. Legal 4.3 None arising from this report. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None arising from this report. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None arising from this report. Key Priorities 4.6 None arising from this report. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None arising from this report. 5. Consultation 5.1 None arising from this report.
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Craig Hatton Chief Executive For further information please contact Aileen Craig, Head of Service (Democratic), on 01294 324125. Background Papers 0