The current group leader of the SNP on The City of Edinburgh Council, Cllr Simita Kumar, is stepping down from her leadership role after being elected as an MSP.
The SNP group will elect a new leader at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening
Cllr Kumar said: “It has truly been a privilege and an honour to serve as SNP Group Leader. Despite being the largest group on the council, we sit in opposition while Labour made a grubby backroom deal with Tories and Liberal Democrats — denying Edinburgh the progressive, competent leadership it deserves.
“During my time in this role, I have witnessed first-hand the damaging political choices made by the Labour group — punishing members who have spoken out against Tory policies and paid roles, while the Liberal Democrats have enjoyed the perks of power with none of the responsibility. Holding this administration to account has been my mission, and the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader who will take us into the 2027 council elections.
“I am also mindful that this role has never before been held by a woman, let alone a woman of colour. I am enormously proud of what we have achieved, and I will continue to advocate for greater representation of women and people from under-representedcommunities at every level of government.”
Candidates for leader
The SNP Group will choose between two candidates at Tuesday’s AGM:
Cllr Lesley Macinnes (Liberton/Gilmerton) was first elected in 2017 and took on responsibility for Transport and Environment, serving as Deputy Group Leader for seven years.
She has delivered two SNP council budgets as Finance spokesperson and currently serves on the Education and the Housing committees. Her wider career spans senior public service roles, including Head of Communications for a Geneva-based international NGO working on landmines and cluster munitions, inwardinvestment work with Scottish Enterprise, and editing and publishing the oldest English-language monthly magazine in Switzerland. Cllr Macinnes was in charge of Spaces for People during the Covid pandemic and installing measures on the capital’s roads and streets to help with social distancing.
Cllr Euan Hyslop (Drum Brae/Gyle) was elected in 2022 and stood as the SNP candidate for Edinburgh Northern in the Scottish Parliament election just last week.
He said: “I’m delighted to be putting my name forward in this leadership contest. While The Scottish Parliament result was personally disappointing, I’m energised to focus on the 2027 local elections and offer Edinburgh a real alternative to the current administration. The issues raised with me during the campaign made clear that people want change — and I believe the SNP can deliver a strong vision for better services and outcomes across our city.” Cllr Hyslop runs a café business in Roseburn Park and in St Margaret’s Park at the historic Dower House.
