Ricky Bell elected new leader of Glasgow City Council as Susan Aitken steps down

Glasgow City Council has elected SNP councillor Ricky Bell as its new leader. | GCC

placeholder image — Glasgow City Council has elected SNP councillor Ricky Bell as its new leader. | GCC

Councillor Ricky Bell has been chosen to lead Glasgow City Council, succeeding Susan Aitken who served for nine years.

Glasgow City Council has elected SNP councillor Ricky Bell as its new leader, following the departure of Cllr Susan Aitken after nine years in the position.

Cllr Bell, who represents the Govan ward, was selected after a vote at a full council meeting today (Thursday). He had previously led the city’s SNP group since Cllr Aitken vacated that role in May.

Having served as deputy leader for five years, Cllr Bell stated his belief that he was the “best candidate” for the leadership. He emphasised that his leadership would prioritise Glasgow's interests over party politics, committing to challenge both the Scottish and UK governments when necessary.

In response to the election, Glasgow Labour group leader Cllr Rashid Hussain commented: “Glasgow may have a different SNP leader, but Glaswegians will want to know what is actually going to change.”

Cllr Hussain added: “Ricky Bell has been deputy council leader and city treasurer, so he has been at the heart of this administration and its decisions. Changing the person at the top does not clean our streets, build homes or improve local services.”

Cllr Aitken, first elected in 2012, led the SNP group in opposition before becoming council leader after the 2017 local elections. The Langside councillor holds the distinction of being the longest-serving leader since the council's formation in 1996.