A Day in the Life of a Provost

Gill Sherry

Councillor Claire Leitch is Provost of East Ayrshire Council and lives with her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Cleo, along with her ‘nakie’ pets, Igor and Mina (both Chinese Crested), and Sphynx cat, Terra. She is a fan of ‘heavier’ music and is a bit of a guru when it comes to Resident Evil 4.

Claire took time out of her busy schedule to tell us more about her role.

How long have you been Provost?
I was elected on Halloween 2024 — the day before I got married. I don’t think I’ll ever have two amazing days like that back-to-back again!

What led to you becoming Provost?
After a frustrating encounter with a councillor (we’re friends now!), I realised there was a real lack of younger people involved. I wanted to make a positive change and was encouraged to stand at the 2017 elections, winning a seat in Ballochmyle. Soon after, I became Depute Provost. I was only 26 and, to be honest, I felt out my depth.

Fortunately, I had the best mentor in then-Provost Jim Todd. When Jim stepped down in 2024, he encouraged me to put myself forward. He has always recognised the importance of having more women and younger people in elected roles, and his support meant the world to me.

What do you like best about the job?
Championing people and causes. It’s important to me that people feel they are being seen and heard, especially those whose voices can be overlooked – people in recovery, young carers, the neurodivergent community, young people and those from different backgrounds.

I’m proud of my role in creating East Ayrshire Youth Cabinet, which led to me being named one of The Young Women’s Movement Scotland’s 30 Under 30. It is elected by young people and gathers and brings their views directly to council.

It’s about making sure we’re not just making decisions for young people, but are listening to, and involving them in, decisions that affect their future. And I do enjoy all the new ‘slang’ words they try to teach me!

Do you dislike anything about the role?
I could do without some of the comments occasionally directed towards me because I don’t fit their view of what a ‘typical’ Provost should look or be like. I was told that progress can be pretty uncomfortable, but if working for younger people, women and people from different backgrounds helps challenge old-fashioned views, I’m happy to play my wee part.

What time does your working day usually start and finish?
There isn’t a set working day. I’m usually out the house by 8.30am and can be out until the wee hours – depending on my diary. My Depute Provost, Councillor John McGhee, is a great support – particularly as I can’t, sadly, be everywhere at once.

Can you describe a typical day?
There is no typical day, ever. It’s incredibly varied, which suits me well as someone with ADHD.

Recently I presented British Citizenship certificates to some of our newest citizens, then visited a coffee morning held by a local recovery charity.

I really value the opportunity to sit down with a cuppa and get to know the people who are working in and for our communities.

At the same time, I’m still a councillor and sit on committees and boards, including the Licensing Board.

Other days can take me from a Learning Disability Showcase, to an event with the Robert Burns World Federation, to presenting flowers to a couple celebrating their Diamond Wedding, then meeting our Young Carers. No two days look the same.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a Provost?
Learn from me and establish a work-life balance! Seriously, though, be exactly who you are. You don’t have to change yourself to fit an idea of what a Provost ‘should’ be. People respond to authenticity, so bring your own personality, listen and get to know the communities you represent.

What would you be if you weren’t Provost?
Having ADHD myself, I’d love to support and advocate for people with ADHD and the wider neurodivergent community.

Career highlight so far?
Choosing East Ayrshire Young Carers as my Charity of the Year for 2025/26. Getting to know some of our incredible young carers and using my role to shine a light on their experiences and responsibilities has meant an enormous amount.

If you had to sum up your job in one word, what would it be?
Immense!