SNP councillors elect new leader for Edinburgh

Lesley Macinnes has been elected as the new leader of the SNP group on the City of Edinburgh Council following the party’s annual general meeting.

Euan Hyslop faced off against experienced hand Lesley Macinnes for the lead role at the party’s AGM on Tuesday evening.

Macinnes secured the support of local SNP councillors.

The vacancy arose after former group leader Simita Kumar was elected as the MSP for Edinburgh South Western in the Scottish Parliament election on May 7.

In her first comments after being elected, Macinnes said it was “a great honour” to be chosen by colleagues.

She said: “We have a councillor group filled with talented, dedicated people working hard for their communities.

“In the last year of this current chaotic Council administration we will be working hard to reassure Edinburgh residents that electing an SNP-led administration in May 2027 is the better choice for people and communities across Edinburgh.

“Our previous leader, Simita Kumar, is now representing Edinburgh in the Scottish Parliament, alongside our councillor colleague Kate Campbell – an excellent outcome for our city.”

Hyslop congratulated Macinnes on her appointment and described the leadership contest as “positive and constructive”.

He said: “She has my full support as we now come together, united and focused on delivering for communities across the city and preparing strongly for the local elections ahead.”

Outgoing leader Kumar also paid tribute to both candidates and backed Macinnes to lead the group forward.

She said: “The strength of the SNP group has always been the people within it and those who lead it. I’m delighted to support Cllr Macinnes as she takes us forward, and I look forward to working together in the next chapter for the group.”