Stirling Council leader to stand down at next year’s local government election

Councillor Johanna Boyd - Image credit: Johanna Boyd

The leader of Stirling Council, Johanna Boyd, has announced that she will not be standing in next year's local government elections.

Johanna Boyd is currently the youngest leader of a council in Scotland and one of only four female council leaders.

The Labour councillor was elected to represent Castle ward in 2012 and became the first woman to lead Stirling Council.

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Boyd said she has decided to stand down to focus on her family and her career.

Announcing her decision not to seek re-election, she said: "I am incredibly proud of what Labour-led Stirling Council has achieved over the last five years and I will continue to devote my energy to securing a City Deal for Stirling and the wider region.

“Investment of this scale in our communities could transform Stirling into an economic and cultural powerhouse for the benefit of generations to come, in particular our most deprived areas.

"The reason I am not seeking re-election is very straightforward. I made a full time commitment to the role of leading Stirling Council for the past five years and it's now time for me to address some personal priorities.

“The welfare of my young family has always come first and at this time the means of achieving that is the continuing development of my legal career.

“Taking this decision, which I have been contemplating for some time, has not been easy.

“It has been profoundly rewarding and humbling to be in a position to make choices that help the people of Stirling, particularly my constituents in Castle ward.

"I will miss my role in local government and working with councillors from across the political spectrum as well as council staff who are dedicated to delivering the best public services in very challenging times.”