The outgoing provost of Aberdeenshire has spoken of her disappointment at being forced to step down.
Councillor Jill Webster said she put her “heart and soul” into the job, and acted as an ambassador – not simply by meeting delegates around the country, but promoting the best of the region locally too.
She also threw herself into some more light-hearted activities, trying her hand at stockcar driving, abseiling and even making butteries.
Yesterday, she made a passionate plea to continue her role – arguing that she and her deputy, Norman Smith were “civic heads” rather than political leaders.
However, SNP group leader Richard Thomson put forward the motion for the pair to be replaced, stressing it was part of the process in the shake-up.
Ms Webster told members she felt like she had been “stabbed in the back”.
She said: “Norman and I have put the people of Aberdeenshire first in carrying out our roles and it’s been a privilege to do so.
“It’s very difficult to see what we have done wrong to dispose of us as civic heads.”
Her colleagues on the Aberdeenshire Alliance rallied in support, paying tribute to the way both she and Mr Smith had promoted the region.
Councillor Jim Gifford said she had done a “terrific” job, adding it was disappointing she was going to lose out due to “personal” agendas.
However, Mr Thomson’s motion to replace Ms Webster and Mr Smith was supported 34 votes to 32.
Former SNP group leader Hamish Vernal was appointed provost, with West Garioch councillor Allison (corr) Grant becoming deputy provost.
Afterwards, Ms Webster admitted she was disappointed at the decision, adding: “I feel that Aberdeenshire Council has been run in a very stable way without any political skullduggery and when I’ve chaired council meetings over the last three years I’ve done my utmost to be fair and make sure that politics doesn’t come into it.
“There’s so much to be proud of. I put my heart and soul into the role. I’ve absolutely loved reaching out to the people of Aberdeenshire in all corners.
“I have been enormously privileged to do this job, it’s been most amazing experience and I’m sad to be moving on.”
Last night Mr Vernal and Mrs Grant vowed to continue her good work.
Mr Vernal said: “I relish the opportunity to be provost.
“I will continue to promote that we’re open for business in Aberdeenshire, so I will be reaching out to the business sector, to the cultural sector and to the third sector – they are all important, particularly over the next couple of years when we’re looking to face difficult financial times.”
Mrs Grant added: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s wonderful to be given this opportunity.
“I’m so keen to rise to the challenge of deputy provost and to take Aberdeenshire forward. A great job has been done by Jill and Norman, and I’m keen to be involved. It’s only right that we have the chance to serve.”