A significant shift in the political landscape of Perth and Kinross has seen Councillor Eric Drysdale assume the leadership of the local authority. This transition follows the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Grant Laing, under circumstances that have sent ripples through the regional political community. While initial reports cited personal reasons for Mr. Laing’s stepping down, it was subsequently confirmed by police that a 63-year-old individual from Perth had been charged with embezzlement, with allegations spanning an eight-year period, and reported to the Crown.
First Minister John Swinney, who also serves as the Perthshire North MSP, voiced strong support for the newly appointed Councillor Drysdale. Mr. Swinney commended Drysdale as a highly capable public servant, expressing confidence that he would provide “good and effective leadership” for Perth and Kinross Council. The First Minister emphasized that the new leader’s agenda would build upon the foundational work established by the SNP administration since 2021, highlighting recent successful infrastructure projects such as the Cross Tay Link Road and the widely acclaimed Perth Museum as examples of progress in the city that Drysdale is poised to continue. Drysdale’s Initial Priorities and Local Impact
In his first public statements as leader, Councillor Drysdale outlined a series of key priorities designed to address pressing local concerns. These include a commitment to curbing antisocial behaviour, an issue that significantly affects the quality of life for residents across Perth and Kinross. Enhancing financial provisions for social care also features prominently, acknowledging the increasing demands on these vital services and their crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Perhaps most notably, Drysdale also pledged to rectify past shortcomings in weed control, a matter that had previously led to widespread public frustration. The council’s struggle with maintaining clear pavements and public spaces, which culminated in the hiring of a new contractor after the initial one failed to deliver, serves as a tangible example of local governance challenges. Councillor Drysdale’s direct acknowledgment of this issue, which occurred while he held responsibility for environment and infrastructure, indicates a focus on visible, everyday concerns affecting residents. Opposition Voices Skepticism
However, the change in leadership has not been met with universal approval, particularly from the Liberal Democrat opposition within Perth and Kinross Council. Councillor Peter Barrett, the group’s leader, expressed his reservations, characterizing the new leader’s vision as “underwhelming and paltry” and indicating a perceived “lack of grip” on critical issues. Barrett pointed directly to the ongoing weed control problem, noting that it had festered under Drysdale’s previous departmental oversight, and criticized what he saw as a failure to apologize for not addressing the situation sooner. The opposition leader argued that this perceived inaction was directly responsible for the prevailing disorder on the streets.
Councillor Barrett further urged Drysdale to prioritize local community interests, stating that the new leader should act as a dedicated advocate for the region rather than solely promoting the agenda of the national Scottish Government. The Liberal Democrats articulated their own set of urgent priorities for Perth and Kinross, which include a comprehensive approach to alleviating poverty, with a particular focus on combating child poverty and bridging societal inequalities. They also advocate for strategies to stimulate local economic growth and create employment opportunities, improve educational standards and attainment levels within the region’s schools, and take decisive action on the escalating climate emergency. This clear divergence in approach signals a challenging political period ahead for the new administration as it navigates local governance and public expectations.
First Minister John Swinney, who also serves as the Perthshire North MSP, voiced strong support for the newly appointed Councillor Drysdale. Mr. Swinney commended Drysdale as a highly capable public servant, expressing confidence that he would provide “good and effective leadership” for Perth and Kinross Council. The First Minister emphasized that the new leader’s agenda would build upon the foundational work established by the SNP administration since 2021, highlighting recent successful infrastructure projects such as the Cross Tay Link Road and the widely acclaimed Perth Museum as examples of progress in the city that Drysdale is poised to continue. Drysdale’s Initial Priorities and Local Impact
In his first public statements as leader, Councillor Drysdale outlined a series of key priorities designed to address pressing local concerns. These include a commitment to curbing antisocial behaviour, an issue that significantly affects the quality of life for residents across Perth and Kinross. Enhancing financial provisions for social care also features prominently, acknowledging the increasing demands on these vital services and their crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Perhaps most notably, Drysdale also pledged to rectify past shortcomings in weed control, a matter that had previously led to widespread public frustration. The council’s struggle with maintaining clear pavements and public spaces, which culminated in the hiring of a new contractor after the initial one failed to deliver, serves as a tangible example of local governance challenges. Councillor Drysdale’s direct acknowledgment of this issue, which occurred while he held responsibility for environment and infrastructure, indicates a focus on visible, everyday concerns affecting residents. Opposition Voices Skepticism
However, the change in leadership has not been met with universal approval, particularly from the Liberal Democrat opposition within Perth and Kinross Council. Councillor Peter Barrett, the group’s leader, expressed his reservations, characterizing the new leader’s vision as “underwhelming and paltry” and indicating a perceived “lack of grip” on critical issues. Barrett pointed directly to the ongoing weed control problem, noting that it had festered under Drysdale’s previous departmental oversight, and criticized what he saw as a failure to apologize for not addressing the situation sooner. The opposition leader argued that this perceived inaction was directly responsible for the prevailing disorder on the streets.
Councillor Barrett further urged Drysdale to prioritize local community interests, stating that the new leader should act as a dedicated advocate for the region rather than solely promoting the agenda of the national Scottish Government. The Liberal Democrats articulated their own set of urgent priorities for Perth and Kinross, which include a comprehensive approach to alleviating poverty, with a particular focus on combating child poverty and bridging societal inequalities. They also advocate for strategies to stimulate local economic growth and create employment opportunities, improve educational standards and attainment levels within the region’s schools, and take decisive action on the escalating climate emergency. This clear divergence in approach signals a challenging political period ahead for the new administration as it navigates local governance and public expectations.