North Lanarkshire provost resigns due to family illness

Councillor Agnes Magowan has resigned from her position of provost at North Lanarkshire Council due to the illness of a close family member.

She said she would be unable to fulfil her duties at Provost – which often requires time spent away from home at weekends and evenings – due to a progressively worsening illness in the family.

Deputy provost Anne Thomas will take over until a new provost is elected.

Magowan said: “It was such a huge honour to be elected Provost and to represent all the people of North Lanarkshire… However, I am unable to dedicate the time required to these duties while also fulfilling my responsibilities to my family in very difficult circumstances.”

The news comes ahead of a crucial council vote on Thursday following the resignation of Councillor Jordan Linden as leader.

The SNP councillor was forced to quit after allegations of sexual harassment came to light.

His deputy Tracy Carragher was set to replace him, with a formal vote to take place this week, but Labour is expected to launch a challenge to regain control of the administration.

The SNP took control of the council in May after winning 36 seats to Labour’s 32, with the leadership team and provost installed later that month.

A new provost will not be elected on Thursday as legislation requires a longer notice period before a vote can be held.

The council said a further full council meeting will be arrange as soon as practicable to elect a new provost.