Cosla chief executive to stand down after seven years

The chief executive of Scotland's local government umbrella organisation is to leave her post.

Sally Loudon joined the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) in 2016, and has now confirmed her intention to step down in the spring, saying that "the time is right to move on an pursue other interests".

Loudon said: "It genuinely has been a privilege and an honour to be chief executive of Cosla. 

"I am always proud of Cosla and local government, and never more so than during periods of crisis. The impact our organisation made during the worst of Covid and is still doing, on a number of fronts, is truly remarkable."

Cosla president Shona Morrison thanked Loudon for her contribution, adding: "Sally has provided outstanding leadership to Cosla's workforce and politicians during the most difficult of times and I have greatly valued her advice during my time as Cosla president. I am sorry to see Sally leave and I wish her every success in the future."