Sally Loudon appointed new COSLA chief executive

Argyll and Bute Council chief executive Sally Loudon has been named the new head of Scottish local government body COSLA.

Loudon, who has run Argyll and Bute Council for the last seven-and-a-half years, will succeed current COSLA chief executive Rory Mair, who retires later this week.

The appointment comes as COSLA, which represents most Scottish councils, remains locked in a dispute with ministers over cuts to council budgets.

RELATED CONTENT

Council revokes notice to quit COSLA

Council umbrella body COSLA has had a tough year

COSLA chief to retire

Finance Secretary John Swinney has given local government representatives until 2 February to respond to the “challenging but fair settlement” outlined in last month’s budget.     

Loudon 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.”

Mair announced last September his decision to retire after 13 years at the helm. Loudon was chosen by COSLA’s staffing committee, which comprises the presidential team and political group leaders.

COSLA president, Councillor David O’Neill, said: “The quality of candidates was exceptionally high but Sally brings a wealth of experience, passion and vision to the role and was the unanimous choice of the interview panel. 

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Rory Mair for his contribution to COSLA and wish him every happiness in the future.”