The under-fire political leader of Shetland Islands Council has resigned.
Councillor Cecil Smith revealed his intention to stand down yesterday, saying it was for “personal reasons”.
Deputy leader Steven Coutts will provide continuity until a new leader is elected – with some councillors already suggesting he could take on the role permanently.
Mr Smith, who represents Lerwick South, yesterday told members of the SIC’s policy and resources committee in private of his decision.
He will formally vacate the role after today’s full council meeting.
Mr Smith had been leader since the last council election in May, replacing Gary Robinson who failed to regain his seat in the council.
He has come under some criticism for accepting the Scottish Government’s £5.5million offer of fair funding for inter-island ferries despite the SIC originally asking for around £7.5million.
There have been rumblings of discontent about Mr Smith’s leadership style behind the scenes for several months, with the veteran councillor in particular clashing with environment and transport chairman Ryan Thomson on several occasions.
Council convener Malcolm Bell told the outgoing political leader that he was “sorry” he had stood down, but he “fully understands” his reasons for doing so.
In a letter to Mr Smith he added: “I am pleased you have intimated your intention to remain as a councillor and know you will continue to serve your constituents in Lerwick South with great dedication, as you have done since 2007.
“I would like to thank you for your service to the council in various leadership roles including, chair of social services and chair of the IJB.
“On a personal note, I am particularly grateful for the three years you spent as depute convener. I truly appreciated your dedication and considered advice to me in that role.”
Mr Thomson echoed Mr Bell, and added: “I’m sorry to hear councillor Smith has stood down from the leader post, but I am glad to hear he will remain a councillor and look forward to continue working with him over the coming four years.”
Education and families committee chairman George Smith ruled himself out of standing for the leadership role, while development committee chairman Alastair Cooper is also understood to be unlikely to stand.
Other possible candidates include harbour board chairwoman Andrea Manson and Mr Thomson.