James Dornan MSP congratulates successor

Glasgow's SNP Group today elected a new Leader of the Opposition. Councillor Allison Hunter will succeed Councillor James Dornan MSP following his successful election as MSP for Glasgow Cathcart in May.

Speaking after being unveiled as the new Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Hunter said: "Today is the first day of our campaign to win Glasgow City Council.  This Group is united in our ambition to become the largest Party in the Council and wrest control of the city from the tired hand of Labour.

"I am delighted to be following two successful leaders, both now MSPs - John Mason and James Dornan - who have done much to prepare us for the next 12 months.

"We have a strong base to work from, following our hugely successful and positive Holyrood election campaign.  We have a talented team and a strong pool of local candidates - combined with our positive message for the people of Glasgow we are ready for the campaign to come.

Commenting on the election of the new leadership team, former Leader of the Opposition James Dornan MSP said: "Congratulations to Allison on her successful election as Leader of the Opposition.  Allison will be an excellent leader for the SNP as we enter a crucial election for Council.  Allison carries enormous respect from Group colleagues and will be ably supported by the experience of Billy McAllister as deputy and Graeme Hendry as Business Manager.

"The next year is going to be an exciting one for the people of Glasgow, who will be given a straight choice between the positivity of the SNP and the negative scaremongering of Glasgow's discredited Labour administration."

Notes:

1. Councillor Allison Hunter is the new Leader of the Opposition and SNP a member for the Govan ward on Glasgow City Council, being elected in 2007.
2. Councillor Hunter has been a member of the SNP for over 40 years and has held a number of positions within the Party.  Prior to being a Councillor, Allison worked for the SNP.
3.Councillor Billy McAllister was re-elected Deputy Leader of the Glasgow SNP Group. Councillor McAllister is a member for the Canal ward, having been elected in a 2006 by-election win for the SNP.
4. Councillor Graeme Hendry is the new Business Manager of the SNP Group.  Councillor Hendry is a member for the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward following the 2007 election.
5. The elections for the positions of Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader and Business Manager were conducted using the Single Transferable Vote.