At a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council today (29 August), Councillor Stephen Jenkinson was appointed as the new convener of the Transport and Environment Committee.
He replaces Councillor Scott Arthur who has served as convener since May 2022. Councillor Jenkinson has been the Labour member for the Pentland Hills ward since May 2022, and has previous experience sitting on the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee along with the Lothian Valuation Joint Board.
He takes on the role with immediate effect and will also chair the Transport and Local Access Forum.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:
“I’d like to thank Councillor Arthur for his service, dedication and expertise as convener over the past two years.
“Scott has led us through some challenging times for our city. From delivering more safer streets, increased active travel routes, such as the City Centre West to East Link, pushing for better air quality in the city with our Low Emission Zone, spearheading a vision to extend trams to the north and south of the city and much more, he can be very proud of his record.
“Our loss of a convener is the UK Parliament’s gain, and I have no doubt he’ll diligently represent Edinburgh South West as their new MP as he did for his constituents while serving as a councillor.
“Looking forward, I’m delighted that my friend and colleague Councillor Jenkinson will take up the mantle on what is one of the Council’s busiest and most important committees.”
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener said:
“Firstly, I want to pay tribute to Councillor Arthur for his hard work and commitment to the Council and the role – and for all he’s achieved over the past two years as ‘interim’ convener! I’m also grateful for his valuable advice to me as I take on this exciting new challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with this new role and working with colleagues across the political groups and our council teams to continue delivering for the people of Edinburgh.”
“This is an exciting time for Edinburgh as we continue to work towards our ambitious goals whilst getting the basics right for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
In other appointments agreed by Council today, Councillor Margaret Graham has been appointed to as Vice-Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee and Gareth Barwell as the Executive Director of Place (Interim).