Cross-party panel agreed to help run Dumfries and Galloway Council

A cross-party leaders panel has been agreed to help run Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The heads of the four political groups on the local authority will have a say on key issues affecting the area.

The panel will not have decision-making powers but will provide a forum for discussions.

It will hold its first meeting during the summer recess to discuss the cost of living crisis and what can be done to help tackle it in the region.

There was also debate over the use of the word "collaborative" to describe the leadership agreement with concerns about its connotations and it was agreed to change it to "inclusive".

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A rainbow coalition was formed in Dumfries and Galloway following this year's elections involving Labour, SNP, Independent and Lib Dem councillors.

Now they will involve Conservatives as well in a leaders panel, budget panel and business bureau.

A report on the creation of the new groups said councillors would "not agree on everything" but would "endeavour to serve the people of Dumfries and Galloway well".

The arrangements will be reviewed next year to assess their success.