IRVINE Councillor Ian Clarkson looks set to become the next Provost of North Ayrshire as Labour seek to gain control of the council.

The Irvine West Councillor previously held the role of Depute Provost but set to claim the top post after Joan Sturgeon handed over the chain.

Joe Cullinane is on course to be the youngest-ever Leader of North Ayrshire Council, taking over from Willie Gibson and the SNP following their resignation from the administration.

This came after the shock by-election defeat in Irvine West which meant the balance of power was tipped back into the red. 

Labour now have the most councillors by the smallest of margins and will oversee the running of North Ayrshire Council until next May's elections following the requistion recieved from eight of the 11 SNP Councillors.

The three councillors not included in the list were Willie Gibson, Tony Gurney and John Bruce with the latter saying in a later letter that he did not agree to resign his posts and the council is currently considering this.

In changes of Portfolio holders, Joe Cullinane will take over for Finance and Corporate Support, Depute Leader of the Labour Group John Bell will take control of Education, Saltcoats and Stevenston Councillor Jim Montgomerie will take over in Place, Peter McNamara will be in charge of Health and Social Care, Alex Gallagher will take on Economy and newly elected Louise McPhater will be cabinet member for comminites. 

Independent Ardrossan and Arran Councillor John Hunter will remain as Chair of the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee and Saltcoats and Stevenston Councillor will take over from Councillor Clarkson as Chair of the Licensing Board and the Licensing Committee.