New SNP Front Bench Team

Cllr Jonathan McColl has stepped down as West Dunbartonshire SNP Council Group Leader after 10 years in the role.

Cllr Karen Conaghan was unanimously elected to serve as Leader of the SNP Opposition and will work with her newly elected front bench team to hold the Labour Administration to account and where positions align, work with them to deliver positive things for West Dunbartonshire’s citizens.

The SNP Opposition front bench team have been confirmed as:

Cllr Karen Conaghan – Leader of the Opposition & Convener of Audit.
Cllr Gordon Scanlan – Depute Leader of the Opposition & Shadow Spokesperson for Educational Services.
Cllr Ian Dickson – Shadow Spokesperson for Corporate Services.
Cllr Jonathan McColl – Shadow Spokesperson for Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development.
Cllr Sophie Traynor – Shadow Spokesperson for Housing & Communities.

Speaking after the inaugural 2022/27 SNP group meeting, Cllr Jonathan McColl said,

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve my party and community as the SNP Leader, both in Opposition and Administration. These past five years as Council Leader have been tough, but despite the significant challenges presented to us, I am proud of what the SNP have achieved for West Dunbartonshire under my leadership.

“I was keen to nominate Karen to succeed me and delighted that the whole SNP group supported my recommendation; starting with unanimous backing gives Karen the clear mandate to lead our group in the knowledge that she has our full, unequivocal support.

“Karen has been an outstanding Councillor, leading major improvements in Educational attainment, both academic and vocational, and representing West Dunbartonshire as our Depute Provost since 2017.

“We are very lucky to have such a mix of talent within our new group. Under Karen’s leadership, we will work tirelessly to represent the needs and views of West Dunbartonshire’s citizens and hold the new Administration to the many promises they made during the election campaign.”