Election of new Leader and Provost of Inverness

Councillor Ian Brown, Inverness Millburn Ward, was appointed as ‘Leader of the City’ today (Monday 13 August 2012) at The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee. As Leader of the City, Councillor Brown will chair meetings of the Council’s Inverness City Committee.

Councillor Alex Graham, Inverness West Ward, was appointed as Provost of Inverness; and Councillors Glynis Sinclair, Culloden and Ardersier Ward, and Bet McAllister, Inverness Central Ward, were appointed as Depute Provosts.

Councillor Brown said: “I am delighted to take up the role of first Leader of the City of Inverness and look forward to working with the members of the City Committee on the important challenges and issues ahead of us. Of immediate importance are works being carried out on flood alleviation and road infrastructures in and around the city.”

Provost Graham said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed Provost of Inverness, a historic office which is steeped in tradition. The Provost fulfils a unique and significant role as the Civic Head of our City and I look forward very much to working with the City Committee and the Leader for the benefit of Inverness. There is important work ahead of us in the future, especially with our six partners in the Scottish Cities Alliance."

Leader of the City, Councillor Brown (SNP), who is one of 3 members for Inverness Millburn Ward, is a member of The Highlands and Islands Fire Board.

Provost Graham (Liberal Democrat) - one of 3 members for Inverness West Ward - will be the civic head of Inverness. He is a member of the Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services Committee and the Northern Joint Police Board.  Provost Graham has been a councillor for 21 years and is now in his sixth term. Prior to election to Highland Council in 2007, he was a member of the former Inverness District Council from 1980 to 1996.