SUSAN Aitken has announced she will be stepping down as leader of Glasgow City Council.
The councillor revealed her decision to the city's SNP group at its AGM today.
Aitken, the longest serving leader of the council told the group she will stand down from the role in September.
The first SNP leader of the council, she has been in charge for nine years, the longest anyone has been in the post since Glasgow City Council was established in local government reorganisation in 1996.
The meeting approved Ricky Bell, Aitken’s deputy, to take over immediately as SNP group leader while she will remain as council leader over the summer.
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She will remain in place for the next four months to provide leadership until the redevelopment of George Square is complete and the city hosts the Commonwealth Games in July.
Aitken said: “We’ve such an abundance of talent in the Glasgow SNP Group, a team which combines youth and experience. After nine years in this incredible and demanding job, it’s time to start passing the reins.
“Once I’d decided that I wouldn’t stand for Council again, it was just about choosing the ideal time for a change of leadership. Having consulted with my group colleagues, now is that time.
“Our party last week secured a record fifth electoral victory and we’ve got so much momentum taking us into 2027. Now, we’ll begin putting in place the leadership team that’ll continue delivering for this city and its people.”
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A vote to elect the next Council Leader will take place after she formally stands down at the meeting of Glasgow City Council on September 10.
Aitken led the SNP to its first victory in Glasgow City Council in 2017 and again in 2022.
During her tenure, there has been many challenges and momentous milestones, including the council settling the equal pay dispute, which led to enormous financial challenges.
The Low Emission Zone was put in place in the city centre and the Thistle safer drug consumption facility opened in the east end after a long running legal and political wrangle involving the Lord Advocate and the UK Government.
Aitken was council leader throughout the Covid pandemic and the shutdown of the city’s hospitality trade and when Glasgow hosted the COP 26 climate summit in 2021, welcoming world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama to the city.
She was in charge when the second fire hit the Art School with devastating consequences for Sauchiehall Street.
The most recent big challenge has been the response to the Union Street fire which has set back the city centre recovery.
She will remain a councillor for Langside until the council elections next year.
Aitken added: “It has been the absolute privilege of my life to represent the best city in the world. As gruelling as the job of city leadership can be, it has been worth every minute.
“I’m looking forward to a momentous summer for Glasgow and to helping put in place the next chapter for the SNP in our city. Glasgow will be in capable hands.”
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