INVERCLYDE Council leader Stephen McCabe has taken up a new job as next year’s local government elections draw closer.

He has been appointed part-time finance manager with a housing association based in East Renfrewshire.

Mr McCabe, below, previously worked in the social housing sector for more than 20 years, until leaving his post of assistant chief executive of Govan Housing Association in January 2014.

Now he is looking to the future as he and his Labour colleagues prepare for what is expected to be a big challenge as the SNP bid to take control of the council next May.

He said: “I am delighted to be returning to the social housing sector after a career break.

“With my term as council leader due to come to an end next year, I felt now was the right time to get back into employment.

“Politics is a precarious profession, and it is important that I put the financial security of my family first.

“Having previously held down a full-time job for most of the time I have been council leader, I don’t feel my new job will impinge too much on my role as leader.

“After all, the role is considered to be part-time by the Scottish Government and parliament, which is reflected in the fact that the salary is less than half of that of a backbench MSP.

“I will, however, be less available to attend community events and activities during the working week.

“I will also have less time for household duties and walking the family dog!”

Cllr McCabe’s salary as leader is £28,016, according to the latest figures supplied by the council.

Inverclyde currently has 20 councillors, but this will be increased to 22, despite objections from council officials and most councillors.

The move by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland will create a new ward in Greenock, possibly in time for next May’s elections.

It is estimated the changes will cost the council an extra £45,000 in salaries.