THE Scottish National Party group on Inverclyde Council held its first meeting of the new term and appointed office-bearers and spokesmen.

Councillor Keith Brooks is the leader and Councillor Jim MacLeod is deputy leader. Secretary is Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, whip is Councillor Chris McEleny and treasurer is Councillor Keith Brooks.

Regeneration and Environment spokesman is Councillor Innes Nelson; Education and Communities spokesman is Councillor Jim Grieve and Health and Social Care spokesman is Councillor Jim MacLeod.

Councilllor Brooks said: "Whilst we were very happy to get an additional councillor elected to the SNP council group on 3 May and to see an increase in the vote for the SNP locally and across Scotland since 2007, we are unhappy that we did not get more of our colleagues elected to Inverclyde Council as we know they would have served constituents and the district well.

"However, one of the things that does please me is that two of our new councillors are in their twenties. It is important that we see some younger members on the council."

Deputy Group Leader Councillor Jim MacLeod added: "The SNP now has representation in all six council wards in Inverclyde which is so important for constituents seeking advice and assistance from SNP councillors.

"At the first statutory council meeting we were also successful in securing several council committee positions -- Councillor Brooks was elected to chair the Human Resources Appeals Board and be vice-chair of the Planning Board, Councillor Nelson was elected to be vice-convener of the Audit Committee and Councillor Grieve vice-convener of the General Purposes Board.”

Mr MacLeod said: "The opposition SNP council group will continue to play a strong and effective role on Inverclyde Council."