Derek’s a leader

Apr 4 2009 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

RENFREWSHIRE Council leader Derek Mackay has taken on a new role in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

CoSLA is the representative voice of Scottish local government, and also acts as the employers’ association on behalf of all Scottish councils.

Councillor Mackay, right, who represents Renfrew North, is now SNP Group Leader at CoSLA and promised to use the job to promote Renfrewshire.

He said: “I am delighted and honoured that SNP councillors across Scotland have given me their support to take up this national post.

“As council leader I am certainly kept busy, but this new role gives me another platform to promote Renfrewshire.”

Councillor Mackay, 31, joined the SNP in 1994 and was elected to Renfrewshire Council in May 1999 at the age of 21, representing the Blythswood Ward in Renfrew.

He was re-elected in 2003 with 64 per cent of the popular vote and remained on the council at the subsequent 2007 elections.

“The Group elected me at the SNP Group AGM at the CoSLA Convention, and means that I will serve on the Leadership Board of CoSLA, and work closely with other group leaders and CoSLA spokespersons for local government.

“I was privilege to be nominated and have unanimous support from the full SNP delegation. I would consider myself an active and vocal council leader, representing Renfrewshire, which is my first priority.”