A NEW provost of East Ayrshire has been chosen at a council meeting this morning (October 31).

Ballochmyle councillor, Claire Leitch, will take over the role, having acted as depute provost for a number of years.

'Rock n Roll provost' Jim Todd announced earlier this month that he would leave the position he has held since 2012 due to "personal circumstances".

Councillor John McGee has been selected to take over as the new depute provost, as Cllr Leitch will succeed Cllr Todd.

East Ayrshire Council confirmed that Cllr Todd intends to continue to serve as a member for ward five "for as long as he is able to do so".

READ MORE: Nominations open for East Ayrshire Youth Awards 2025

Both councillors Leitch and Todd retained their respective roles of provost and depute provost when councillors voted on the top council roles back in June.

EAC made the announcement that Cllr Leitch has officially been appointed as the new provost.

A new Provost and Depute Provost have been appointed at this morning’s Council meeting. Councillor Claire Leitch, who was formerly Depute Provost, will now serve as Provost while Councillor John McGhee becomes Depute Provost. The new appointments have been made following the resignation of Provost Jim Todd who has stepped down from his role due to personal circumstances.

Posted by East Ayrshire Council on Thursday 31 October 2024

Speaking about his decision to step away, Jim Todd said: "In personal terms, I simply don’t feel I can continue to give of my best in the role and therefore it is with deep regret that I have decided that the right thing to do is stand down.

"My heartfelt thanks go to all fellow members, officers and to the members of our communities who have supported me in the role of provost in what I consider to be the best council in Scotland.”