Connolly promises to bring unity to council

New South Ayrshire Council Leader, Brian Connolly, aims to be a'unifier' despite a major divide exacerbated by allegations of corruption and misconduct.

- KEVIN DYSON

The long serving independent councillor for Maybole and North Carrick had one of the shortest stints as depute leader-becoming leader six days after being named number two.

Councillor Connolly told the Ayrshire Post this week that it was his job to stabilise and unify the council after a torrid period.

He said: "That is my area of expertise, being able to bring people together."

The announcement came almost a month after South Ayrshire Council descended into chaos in the wake of former leader Martin Dowey being recorded allegedly offering help to a businessman seeking a multi-million pound demolition contract.

This ultimately led to Cllr Dowey's belated resignation, only stepping down after Provost Iain Campbell quit in spectacular fashion, on May 1, describing some colleagues as 'despicable'.