New chief executive of COSLA Sally Loudon takes up post

Sally Loudon has taken up her role leading the local government body for Scotland, COSLA, on the same day the new cohort of MSPs started work at the Scottish Parliament.

Loudon joins COSLA from Argyll and Bute Council, where she has been the chief executive for seven years.

Before that she had held roles at a number of local authorities including East Lothian and Midlothian. 

Speaking after her appointment was announced, she said: “There is no doubt the next few years will be challenging for everyone in Scottish local government, and the time for us to speak with a single united voice has never been stronger.

“But I believe that both myself, the team and politicians at COSLA have the energy, enthusiasm and drive to deliver on those challenges and I cannot wait to get started."

Loudon replaces outgoing COSLA chief executive Rory Mair, who retired in January 2016 after 13 years in charge.

One issue that Loudon is likely to have to deal with is council tax reform, which the Scottish Parliament Information Service (SPICe) has named as one of the key issues to be resolved in this parliament.