COUNCILLOR Iain Nicolson is in line to continue as Renfrewshire Council leader in the new term after he was re-elected as head of the SNP group for the coming year.

The development follows the party’s success on Friday, which saw them return 21 members – two more than their total in the 2017 council election.

He will be supported by Councillor Jacqueline Cameron after she was elected depute leader.

She replaces Councillor Jim Paterson, who did not put himself forward for the post, despite being re-elected in the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward.

Backing at the group’s AGM on Monday night means Councillor Nicolson will be nominated as leader at the next meeting of full council on Thursday, May 19.

That would see him enter his sixth year as council leader.

Councillor Nicolson said: “I’m delighted the group have chosen me to lead them but also the strong team that makes up the group leadership, including a new depute group leader, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron.

“I want to express my thanks to Councillor Jim Paterson for his pivotal role as depute for the last five years.

“We have a very focused group with a refreshed drive and mandate to build upon our achievements over the last five years.”

Councillor Lorraine Cameron will be put forward to continue as Provost of Renfrewshire at next week’s meeting, while Councillor Cathy McEwan will be nominated for the Depute Provost role.