NATIONALIST Craig Holden has stepped down as depute leader of Clackmannanshire Council.

The SNP councillor, who held the position for two years, alongside Council leader Gary Womersley, said it was “time to move on”.

A new depute leader is expected to be appointed at tomorrow’s (Thursday) full council meeting.

Mr Holden said there was “no major explanation” for his decision and he will remain an SNP councillor.

He said, “I’ve done two years at it and feel I should try something new and give someone else a chance. I’ve enjoyed it but it’s not the job I want to continue doing.” Speaking about his time in the role, he added, “It’s a minority administration and it’s always difficult to try and manage a minority administration.

“As depute leader I had a key role in developing policy over the last two years and implementing that. The achievement is to maintain the administration, get policy through in the run-up to the [independence] referendum and show people in Clackmannanshire we can do a good job for them.” The Clackmannanshire South councillor rejoined the SNP in the run-up to the 2012 local government elections having stood as an independent, after he quit the party in 2006, citing differences over its strategy and direction under the leadership of MSP Keith Brown, who was then the group leader.

Following his return, and the election of an SNP minority administration, Mr Holden was appointed depute leader of the council.

He told the Advertiser that his latest resignation did not affect his allegiance to the party and was not due to the direction of the administration.

He added that he was not forced to step down and said, “As far as I’m aware the group were happy for me to continue as depute leader.” At tomorrow’s meeting councillors will vote on the creation of a new role for an elected member which has special responsibility for Partnership, Equality and Diversity.

Mr Holden said he is putting his name forward for the position, which oversees third sector funding and joint working.

In addition, councillor Donald Balsillie has stepped down as depute provost.