On 24 June 2021, a significant event unfolded within East Ayrshire Council as councillors voted to remove Provost Jim Todd and Depute Provost Claire Leitch from their positions. This move marked a turning point in the council’s political landscape.
For years, Provost Jim Todd had served as a stalwart of local governance, becoming one of the most recognizable public figures in Scotland, often described as the “most famous provost in Scotland.” His dedication to the community and his role as an ambassador for East Ayrshire had earned him widespread recognition. Councillor Todd’s removal from the post was, for many, a shocking and controversial decision, particularly as it came just ten months before the scheduled council elections in May 2022.
The reshuffle saw Conservative and Labour councillors unite in a coalition to elect Councillor Barry Douglas as the new Provost, with Rubbish Party councillor Sally Cogley appointed as depute provost. The vote was seen as a reflection of a shifting power dynamic within the council, with the opposition arguing that the SNP, as a minority administration, was consolidating too much power in senior positions.
In his address, Councillor Reid described the actions of the opposition as an “attack” on his administration. He expressed his confusion over the decision, pointing out that the people of East Ayrshire were questioning the motives behind the removals. Reid, who had worked closely with Todd and Leitch, praised their dedication to the community and acknowledged Todd’s tireless efforts in his civic role.
Despite this, opposition councillors, including Labour leader John McGhee, insisted that the vote was not an attack on Todd’s legacy but rather a democratic exercise to install new leadership. McGhee affirmed that while Todd’s work had been commendable, it was time for a change. Similarly, Councillor Jim McMahon emphasized Todd’s renown, calling him “probably the most famous provost in Scotland,” yet urged councillors to act in the best interests of the council’s future.
As part of the reshuffle, Councillor Whitham, an SNP MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley, proposed keeping Councillor Leitch in her role. However, Councillor Cook of the Conservatives suggested the appointment of Councillor Cogley, highlighting her strong ties to local youth and her respected standing within the community. After a tight vote, Councillor Cogley was appointed as depute provost by a narrow margin of 16 to 15.
In the aftermath of the vote, Councillor Reid paid tribute to Councillor Leitch’s work, noting that she had surpassed all expectations since her nomination to the role. Leitch, in turn, expressed her pride in her time as depute provost, reflecting on her efforts to advocate for progressive causes, including women’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and the marginalized communities of East Ayrshire.
Leitch’s tenure had not gone unnoticed; in 2021, she was named one of 30 inspirational under-30s by YWCA Scotland, an accolade that further cemented her reputation as a trailblazer in local politics.
The reshuffle on 24 June 2021 marked a pivotal moment in East Ayrshire’s political history, illustrating the complex interplay of power, party politics, and individual legacies in the lead-up to the 2022 council elections.
By the summer of 2022, Jim Todd and Claire Leitch regained their positions within East Ayrshier council.
A guide track for ‘A Tribute to Provost Jim Todd and Depute Provost Claire Leitch’ is available below for listening: -
You can download a PDF of the sheet music here
- or braille format here.
The track is additionally available within the following collections and sets: -
Associated Collections: -
4/4
6/8
Jig
Not Yet Recorded
Politics
The Three Six Five Collection
