The SNP administration in North Ayrshire was shaken on Thursday when the council's youngest councillor, Chloe Robertson, stepped down from her front-line cabinet role. She resigned as Cabinet Member for the Health and Social Care Partnership, admitting the system had become unsustainable.
Shock resignation amid financial crisis
Her decision comes just three months after the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) moved to critical care only due to a £9.1 million deficit. The resignation took effect on Monday.
Cllr Robertson, who represents Irvine West, was seen as a rising star in the administration, taking on the role last August after the resignation of Margaret Johnson. She choked back tears as she described the difficult decision to move to critical care at the March meeting, following major protests. She had to have the rest of her speech read out by Integration Joint Board chair Joyce White.
Fifth cabinet member to quit in four years
The former Marymass Mary is the fifth member of the cabinet to resign in four years, following leader Marie Burns, depute leader Shaun Macaulay (both in January), Cllr Johnson, and Cllr Scott Davidson.
In her resignation statement, Cllr Robertson said: “I am truly saddened to be standing down from this position, but I do so recognising the constraints of the local health and social care system. We know from Audit Scotland that Integration Joint Boards across Scotland face significant financial pressures and that, without meaningful reform, many could become financially unsustainable in the coming years.”
Dedication to reform and local community
She added: “It is because I care so much about our health and social care services that I want to use this resignation as an opportunity to dedicate more time to advocate for the reform and investment our communities deserve. I, of course, will continue to focus on my ward of Irvine West which I am so proud to represent. I remain committed to supporting local people, community organisations, the Irvine Locality Partnership, the Irvine Town Board and other projects.
“As the youngest councillor, although it came unexpectedly, I was honoured to have been entrusted with the role of the Health and Social Care portfolio holder. I will continue my role as Young People’s Champion for the Council. I will also dedicate time to support the new Cabinet Member to create a smooth transition and ensure the stability needed for the Health and Social Care Partnership and the Council.”
She expressed pride in achievements such as the Brighter Pathways programme for care-experienced children and young people, and closer alignment between HSCP localities and community planning. However, she acknowledged the scale of challenges, particularly around the budget and unavoidable decisions impacting communities.
Council leader thanks outgoing member
Council Leader Tony Gurney said: “I would like to thank Chloé for all her hard work and dedication. She has not only shown excellent leadership in her portfolio but also provided great support in wider policy contributions. I wish her well.”
