TWO major changes have been confirmed as part of a shake-up to North Ayrshire Council's cabinet.
Councillor Margaret Johnson has returned to her role as member for the Health and Social Care Partnership little more than a year after stepping away.
The Garnock Valley representative held the position following her election in 2022 but stepped aside due to personal reasons last summer.
Her SNP colleague Chloe Robertson took over thereafter as the partnership faced increasing financial challenges.
Meanwhile, Cllr Johnson returned to cabinet in February following leadership changes within the SNP group, taking up the portfolio for education and young people.
She has now returned to her former role after the position was left vacant.
Cllr Robertson quit the Health and Social Care Partnership in June as she admitted that the system was becoming “unsustainable”.
Her decision came just three months after the partnership moved into critical care only owing to a £9.1 million deficit.
Cllr Johnson said she was "excited" to be taking up the mantle once again as cabinet met last week.
She said: “I was excited to be given the chance to return to the health and social care portfolio.
"In a time of financial pressure, experience in the portfolio is particularly important.
"I shall be working for the residents of North Ayrshire to ensure they receive the best care available.”
Her move left the position for education and young people vacant, with that role now filled by Cllr Jean McClung.
She said: “I was delighted to be given the opportunity to steer educational policy at North Ayrshire.
"This year’s exam results show excellent progress but there is always more work to be done on behalf of our students, parents, and teachers, work that I have already begun.
“It goes without saying that, despite having assumed this additional responsibility, I will continue to be as available as always to help my constituents with local issues in any way possible.
"I also intend to continue in my role as mental health champion, a role which is important to me, and my continued support for local mental health groups is guaranteed.”
Council leader, Tony Gurney, added: “I am delighted with these changes. Councillors Johnson and McClung bring a great deal of knowledge to the cabinet and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build on the successes of North Ayrshire Council."
Share