South Ayrshire Council Comhairle Shiorrachd Àir a Deas | |
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Leadership | |
Mike Newall since November 2023[1] | |
Structure | |
Seats | 28 councillors |
Political groups |
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Elections | |
Single transferable vote | |
Last election | 5 May 2022 |
Next election | 6 May 2027 |
Meeting place | |
County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR | |
Website | |
www |
South Ayrshire Council (Scottish Gaelic: Comhairle Shiorrachd Àir a Deas) is the local authority for South Ayrshire, one of the 32 council areas of Scotland. It was created in 1996, and now comprises eight wards, each with three of four directly elected councillors by the single transferable vote system, which creates a form of proportional representation. The council is based at County Buildings in Ayr.
The council has been under no overall control since 2003, in which time various coalitions and minority administrations have operated. Since the last election in 2022, the council has been led by a Conservative minority administration which took office with support from two independent councillors and abstentions from Labour.[2] The next election is due in 2027.
The council's civic head takes the title of provost. This is a largely ceremonial role, chairing council meetings and acting as the area's first citizen. Although an elected councillor, the provost is expected to be politically impartial.[3] Political leadership is provided by the leader of the council.