Midlothian’s leader unveils her new team

FINANCIER and former Tory fundraiser Peter de Vink has been put in charge of Midlothian’s finances.

New SNP Midlothian council leader Lisa Beattie unveiled her Cabinet with Mr de Vink, who was elected as an independent councillor in last month’s elections, as the man looking after finance and economic development. Councillor Beattie will be responsible for corporate resources, community planning, business transformation, best value, education, training and tourism, while Cllr Jim Bryant will be in charge of commercial operations, property and facilities, zero waste, sports and leisure and the council budget.

The adult and community care, children and families and health brief has gone to Cllr Cath Johnstone, and Cllr Owen Thompson is handed planning, housing and community safety.

Cllr Beattie said cabinet members would make recommendations to the 18-strong council and work closely with council staff on how services are delivered.

She said: “We have a strong team in place and will deliver on our pledge to improve services against what continues to be a challenging financial backdrop.”