Largs Labour councillor Alex Gallagher is set to be handed responsibility for the local economy in the North Ayrshire Council merry-go-round. 
After the SNP's shock decision to resign as the administration following its Irvine by-election defeat, the Labour group appeared to be wary of stepping in as a minority party.
But they are now set to be ratified as the new cabinet at a meeting of the full council next week. 
In its proposal, a Labour administration would return to a six member ruling cabinet. 
This would be led by 30-year-old Joe Cullinane, who unsuccessfully stood for the Scottish Parliament in May. 
Long-standing Labour members would be overlooked in the proposals, with newly elected Irvine member Louise McPhater set to take over the cabinet communities portfolio. 
The report reveals that there is a split in the SNP camp over their group resignation.
Councillor John Bruce has told council officers that he had not agreed to the resignation, while former leader Willie Gibson was not a signatory to the request to stand down.

Councillor Alex Gallagher spoke to the News about the proposals. He said: "It is a decision for the council to decide, but my feeling is that if I get this economy portfolio, it would suit me right to the ground. It is the biggest challenge in North Ayrshire to get the economy working and jobs into the area, and I think the wide focus with industry, tourism and the public sector is a real challenge and opportunity.

"I would suggest that given the shambles that the SNP is in, Labour will continue in administration for the next five years. In terms of economic regeneration, I would be delighted, and I hope that I can take this on this big challenge which I see as being a defining challenge in North Ayrshire.

"I am told that John Bruce of the SNP is refusing to resign - first the SNP want to resign, then they don't - it is a total shambles if that is the case."


The Irvine by-election meant that Labour leapfrogged the SNP to become the largest party - with 12 to the SNP's 11 seats. There are a further six independent councillors and one Conservative, Largs member Tom Marshall. 
The full local election will take place next May.