South Ayrshire Council
South Ayrshire Council (Scottish Gaelic: Comhairle Shiorrachd Àir a Deas) is the political body covering South Ayrshire created in 1995, comprising eight wards, each with three of four directly elected councillors by the single transferable vote system, which creates a form of proportional representation. The council has been under no overall control since 2003, in which time various coalitions and minority administrations have operated. Since the last election in 2022, the council has been led by a Conservative minority administration which took office with support from two independent councillors and abstentions from Labour. The next election is due in 2027. The council's civic head takes the title of provost. This is a largely ceremonial role, chairing council meetings and acting as the area's first citizen. Although an elected councillor, the provost is expected to be politically impartial. Political leadership is provided by the leader of the council. Political control The first election to South Ayrshire Council was held in 1995, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until the new system came into force on 1 April 1996. Political control of the council since 1996 has been as follows: Leadership The leaders of the council since 1996