COUNCILLOR Jan Brown is the new provost of Argyll and Bute.
The SNP Mid Argyll councillor had been depute provost of the area since April 2024, deputising for Douglas Philand, who passed away last month.
A roll call vote at a full council meeting on Wednesday, September 23 saw a motion moved by administration councillors prevail with 18 votes.
The motion also included that Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles) should become the new depute provost.
An amendment moved by opposition councillors for Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) to become provost gained eight votes. Councillor Corry was previously provost from May 2022 to April 2024.
Councillors Amanda Hampsey (Reform UK, Oban South and the Isles) and Daniel Hampsey (Reform UK, Dunoon) registered no vote.
Upon being confirmed as the new provost, Councillor Brown said: “I have absolutely loved being depute provost and I hope I am able to carry out the role of provost to the same standard as Douglas did.
“It is one thing being called it, but when you see it written down, I had terrible butterflies in my stomach. It is a great privilege and honour, and thank you for your confidence in me.
“Councillor Kain becomes the depute provost and I look forward to working with him.”
The motion for Councillor Brown to become provost was moved by Councillor John Armour (SNP, South Kintyre) and seconded by Councillor Ross Moreland (Liberal Democrat, Dunoon).
Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) moved the amendment for Councillor Corry to become provost, seconded by Councillor Garret Corner (Conservative, Mid Argyll).
A by-election for the Mid Argyll ward, to replace the late Councillor Philand, will be held by the council on Thursday, October 29.
