INVERCLYDE is to get its first ever independent provost with Drew McKenzie set to be given the position at the first full council meeting of the new term.

Labour group leader Stephen McCabe has confirmed the nomination as part of the formation of his new minority administration.

It is the first time in the history of Inverclyde Council that a provost hasn't come from the Labour or Liberal Democrat group.

Councillor McKenzie, who represents Ward 2, said: "It's a terrific honour.

"I am delighted to get the support of Stephen, Councillor Liz Robertson from the SNP and my own independent colleagues.

"It's the first time there has been an independent provost on Inverclyde Council.

"As there is no majority this time it makes sense that an independent is provost.

"Going forward there are going to be great challenges ahead, we must work hard together as a united council.

"The challenges we face are to our budget and how core council services can be saved.

"This is the same financial situation faced by councils throughout Scotland, we have to do the best with what we have.

"The main priorities are to get the population rising again and to create jobs, everything else will fall into place.

"There is no room for the silly stuff."

Mr McKenzie, who runs a successful award-winning butchers in Port Glasgow, believes that the new batch of councillors who have been elected will bring a lot to the table to complement the experience of existing councillors.

Councillor McCabe is set to be elected as local authority leader for an unprecedented fifth time.

He told the Telegraph: “I am delighted that after a week of discussions and negotiations with the other groups on the council I have been able to secure sufficient cross group support for Inverclyde Labour to lead the next administration.

"We have adopted an inclusive approach to ensure that all groups and individual councillors will have important roles in the new council.

"As part of a formal agreement with the independent coalition, Inverclyde Labour will support the nomination of Councillor McKenzie as Provost.

"I look forward to working with Drew if our respective appointments are formally confirmed by the council on Thursday."

The full list of appointments to be made on Thursday will be tabled at the meeting.

Mr McCabe said: "I would like to thank all of the groups within the council for the positive and constructive dialogue we have had over the past week.

"I hope it establishes the tone for the next five years and that we continue to work in a collegial way on behalf of the people of Inverclyde to address the significant challenges we will face."