Conservatives win control of Scottish local authority

SOUTH Ayrshire became Scotland's only Conservative-led local authority yesterday.

The switch came after the resignation of Andy Hill, the Labour leader, last month which left Labour with 14 councillors and the Conservatives 15.

The Conservatives sought a special meeting of the council at which, by a 15-14 vote, they secured the posts of council leader and deputy leader.

Tories were also appointed to the convenership of all but one of the council committees.

The moves makes South Ayrshire the only Scottish council under Conservative control, although the Tories have part-control in Aberdeen and the Borders, a party spokesman said.

The by-election caused by Mr Hill's resignation is scheduled to take place on 2 February.