Dumfries and Galloway Council Agrees New Leader and Administration

[Marc]

At a special meeting of Full Council today (Monday 16 June), councillors agreed a new administration with immediate effect.

In summary:

Cllr Katie Hagmann was elected Convener, Depute Leader and Civic Head.
Cllr Stephen Thompson was elected Leader and Depute Convener.
The news comes following today’s resignation of former Convener (Depute Leader/Civic Head) Cllr Malcolm Johnstone and Depute Convener (Leader) Gail Macgregor with immediate effect.

Convener, Councillor Katie Hagmann, said:

“What our communities need most is a steady hand – one that ensures consistent delivery of quality education and social care, fosters a thriving local economy, addresses the pressures of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and improves vital infrastructure like our roads.

“Guided by the core values of our council, I’m committed to working alongside all elected members to protect our region’s future, support our residents, strengthen our communities and ensure we remain a council that listens and responds.

“Our administration will be built on cooperation – working constructively with all political groups to continue the implementation of our ambitious Council Plan.

“With eight years’ experience as a local councillor and drawing on my experience over the past three years as COSLA Resources Spokesperson, I’m ready to build consensus and find common ground to deliver real progress for the people of Dumfries and Galloway.”

The Provost of Dumfries will be Cllr Tracey Little.

The council also agreed committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

Committees

Economy and Infrastructure Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy Ferguson
Vice-Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti

Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee
Chair: Cllr Tracey Little
Vice-Chair: Cllr George Jamieson

Enabling and Customer Services Committee
Chair: Cllr John Campbell
Vice-Chair: Cllr Ben Dashper

Social Work Services Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy McFarlane
Vice-Chair: Cllr John Young

Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee
Chair: Cllr Gail Macgregor
Vice-Chair: Cllr Carolyne Wilson

Planning Applications Committee
Chair: Cllr Jim Dempster
Vice-Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti

Sub Committees

Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Dougie Campbell

Employment and Appeals Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Tracey Little

Harbours Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Ben Dashper

Pensions Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr John Campbell

Review of Standing Orders Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Andy McFarlane

Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Richard Brodie (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
Vice-Chair: Cllr Kim Lowe

Police, Fire and Rescue Sub Committee
Chair: Cllr Tony Berretti

You can see the Full Council meeting via our website Dumfries and Galloway Council Meetings - Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk) and you can view the meeting papers at Agenda for Dumfries and Galloway Council on Monday, 16th June, 2025, 2pm - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)