Labour in charge after two-week power struggle

Published on Saturday 19 May 2007 13:55

A LABOUR administration is to run Midlothian Council after negotiations were finally completed with other parties.

The identity of the figures who will lead the authority have been revealed two weeks after the council elections.

After frantic negotiations with other council parties, Labour has chosen Councillor Derek Milligan as its leader, meaning that he becomes the new council leader, with Jim Muirhead as his deputy.

Previous leader Adam Montgomery, who earlier this week announced he was stepping down from the role he has held for four years, becomes the region's new provost, replacing Sam Campbell, who held the title since 1999.

Cllr Milligan, who was previously the council's commercial services leader, said: "It is a great honour to lead Midlothian Council over the next four years. Midlothian Council has always punched above its weight - we were the first council this millennium to build council houses, although others now follow.

"But there is more to do and we have to work hard and well -working together for the benefit of the residents we represent."

Cllr Montgomery added: "I am committed to working with all members of the council to the benefit of the residents of Midlothian. I believe all councillors are working towards the same goals and while difficulties will arise the challenge is to work through them and find a way to take Midlothian forward."

The other members of the all-Labour cabinet will be Jack Aitchison, Alex Bennet, Peter Boyes, Wilma Chalmers and Russel Imrie, although titles have not yet been decided.