Lib Dems change track with new transport leader named

Published on Friday 15 May 2009 10:00

THE councillor in charge of the Capital's controversial tram scheme is to swap roles with the city's finance leader.

Lib Dem councillor Phil Wheeler, Edinburgh's transport leader, will take over the role of finance leader from Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, while Mr Mackenzie is appointed city transport leader.

The Lib Dem reshuffle was announced at the party's AGM last night.

Meanwhile councillor Louise Lang will take over the role of vice chair of the regulatory committee from councillor Tim Mackay, who is also the deputy economic leader.

Earlier this month the Evening News reported that Mr Wheeler was understood to be facing a challenge for his transport role by Mr Mackenzie, and had also been nominated for finance convener.

The shake-up of the Lib Dem administration follows increased criticism of its handling of the tram project from political and business circles over the past 12 months.

Critics have said that the party showed no leadership over the project and there has been a series of problems including The Mound diversions row, while the project's budget and construction programme have both slipped behind schedule.

Lib Dem insiders previously described Mr Wheeler as a "nice guy but ineffectual politician".

Following yesterday's AGM, Mr Wheeler said: "I wish Gordon well in his new role and with the various challenges that he will face in that role." He added: "I have greatly enjoyed chairing the TIE committee and would like to thank staff and partners who I have worked with in the last two years."

Mr Wheeler went on to say: "I'm looking forward immensely to squaring up to the various challenges that I'm going to face in my new role as chair of finance."

Mr Mackenzie, a board member of tram firm TIE and chairman of the council's development arm EDI, has been credited with getting the council's finances on track since 2007, while Mr Wheeler enjoyed a career spanning three decades with RBS.

Mr Mackenzie said: "I would like to thank Phil for his tireless work on the TIE committee and wish him well in his new role as chair of finance."

Councillor Paul Edie, Lib Dem group secretary, added: "We have got a first rate team leading this city and I'm looking forward to working with both councillors in their new roles.

"They are both very able administrators as they have both shown over the last two years.

"We are entering difficult times ahead financially and with the tram line to finish off, and both gentlemen are very capable and will deliver excellent results for the residents of this city."

The councillors will take on their new roles following the council's AGM which takes place on 28 May.