COUNCILLOR Claire Leitch, who has landed a top cabinet council post, is giving children power to shape council decisions. 

The 30-year-old has involved young people in East Ayrshire Council’s climate change committee.

The SNP Ballochymyle politician has responsibility for young people, climate change and equalities and inclusion. 

The former depute provost said: “Young people are very astute. They are all aware of what is happening around them.

“The East Ayrshire climate change committee is going to be young people led not just councillors and officers. 

“We will work with officers on what young people want to see. Young people had a big voice in our climate change strategy.

“It is their world in the future. They will benefit from the decisions we are making today.”

The mum is also delighted to be charged with promoting diversity through her equalities and inclusion brief including the LGBTQ community, disabled people and those in care.

She said: “That means we are leaving nobody behind. Young people think about everyone.

“Even when I was at school there were people less well thought off. That is not happening today.”

Looking forward to the new position, she said: “It is going to be a powerhouse of a portfolio and I’m so excited to drive it forward with the ideas I have.”

Her appointment came after a political reshuffle at East Ayrshire Council following the election of Elena Whitham as MSP.

Councillor Leitch said: “I want to give young people a voice in all appropriate committees.”