Councillor Grant Laing has announced his resignation from the prominent position of Perth and Kinross Council leader. The decision, cited as being due to “personal reasons,” marks a significant shift in the local political landscape.
In a further development, it has been confirmed that Councillor Laing has also concluded his affiliation with the Scottish National Party (SNP) and will continue to serve the community as an independent councillor. This move will undoubtedly reshape dynamics within the council chamber and among the political groups.
The role of Council Leader in a region as diverse and dynamic as Perth and Kinross carries immense responsibility, overseeing critical services and strategic direction for urban centres like Perth, Kinross, Blairgowrie, and the vast rural expanse of Perthshire. It requires unwavering dedication, often demanding considerable personal sacrifice, and the pressures associated with such a public-facing, demanding role can be profound. Interim Leadership and Future Plans
In the immediate aftermath of this announcement, Councillor Eric Drysdale has stepped forward to assume the mantle of acting leader for the council, ensuring continuity in governance during this transitional period. This swift action aims to maintain stability and prevent any disruption to the essential services provided to residents across the region.
Councillor Drysdale conveyed the sentiment shared by many of his colleagues regarding the news. He stated, “Grant’s decision has come as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues, but we shall all step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave. Grant has given his all in the role of Leader of Perth and Kinross Council for the last three and a half years, driven by his wholehearted commitment to our group’s core principles, underpinned by a vision of a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality.” This statement reflects both the personal impact of Laing’s departure and a resolute commitment to the council’s ongoing objectives.
Looking ahead, the process for selecting a new permanent council leader is already in motion. The formal confirmation of a successor, along with any necessary adjustments to committee appointments and overall council structure, is slated to take place at the forthcoming full Council meeting. This crucial assembly is scheduled for October 29, 2025. Impact on Local Governance
The departure of a council leader, particularly one who has served for a considerable period and been aligned with a major party, inevitably leads to questions about the direction of local government. Perth and Kinross Council plays a vital role in local planning, education, social care, environmental protection, and economic development – areas that directly affect every household and business from the banks of the River Tay to the glens of Highland Perthshire. The forthcoming changes will be closely watched by constituents keen to understand how leadership decisions will continue to address pressing local concerns such as housing, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable growth.
Maintaining strong, decisive leadership is paramount for navigating the complexities of local administration and ensuring that the needs of all communities within Perth and Kinross are met. The interim period under Councillor Drysdale, followed by the election of a new leader, will be critical in demonstrating the council’s resilience and its continued dedication to serving the people of this beautiful and vibrant part of Scotland.
The community awaits the next steps with keen interest, confident that the council will uphold its commitment to effective governance throughout this significant transition.
In a further development, it has been confirmed that Councillor Laing has also concluded his affiliation with the Scottish National Party (SNP) and will continue to serve the community as an independent councillor. This move will undoubtedly reshape dynamics within the council chamber and among the political groups.
The role of Council Leader in a region as diverse and dynamic as Perth and Kinross carries immense responsibility, overseeing critical services and strategic direction for urban centres like Perth, Kinross, Blairgowrie, and the vast rural expanse of Perthshire. It requires unwavering dedication, often demanding considerable personal sacrifice, and the pressures associated with such a public-facing, demanding role can be profound. Interim Leadership and Future Plans
In the immediate aftermath of this announcement, Councillor Eric Drysdale has stepped forward to assume the mantle of acting leader for the council, ensuring continuity in governance during this transitional period. This swift action aims to maintain stability and prevent any disruption to the essential services provided to residents across the region.
Councillor Drysdale conveyed the sentiment shared by many of his colleagues regarding the news. He stated, “Grant’s decision has come as a shock to all of his councillor colleagues, but we shall all step up our efforts to fill the gap his departure will leave. Grant has given his all in the role of Leader of Perth and Kinross Council for the last three and a half years, driven by his wholehearted commitment to our group’s core principles, underpinned by a vision of a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality.” This statement reflects both the personal impact of Laing’s departure and a resolute commitment to the council’s ongoing objectives.
Looking ahead, the process for selecting a new permanent council leader is already in motion. The formal confirmation of a successor, along with any necessary adjustments to committee appointments and overall council structure, is slated to take place at the forthcoming full Council meeting. This crucial assembly is scheduled for October 29, 2025. Impact on Local Governance
The departure of a council leader, particularly one who has served for a considerable period and been aligned with a major party, inevitably leads to questions about the direction of local government. Perth and Kinross Council plays a vital role in local planning, education, social care, environmental protection, and economic development – areas that directly affect every household and business from the banks of the River Tay to the glens of Highland Perthshire. The forthcoming changes will be closely watched by constituents keen to understand how leadership decisions will continue to address pressing local concerns such as housing, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable growth.
Maintaining strong, decisive leadership is paramount for navigating the complexities of local administration and ensuring that the needs of all communities within Perth and Kinross are met. The interim period under Councillor Drysdale, followed by the election of a new leader, will be critical in demonstrating the council’s resilience and its continued dedication to serving the people of this beautiful and vibrant part of Scotland.
The community awaits the next steps with keen interest, confident that the council will uphold its commitment to effective governance throughout this significant transition.