THE leader of a Labour-run Scots council has announced he is to quit politics.

Mark Macmillan, who has led Renfrewshire Council for the past four years, will not be seeking re-election and will stand down before next May's local government poll.Mr Macmillan will see out his term and said he hopes to build a new career around his political experiences and "build on experience in tackling poverty and creating jobs".

The move has come as a surprise in both local government and Labour circles, where Mr Macmillan was seen as one of the party's best hopes in retaining power in Renfrewshire.He has enjoyed a significant profile in the past year through promotion of Paisley's UK City Of Culture bid, pushing the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and his prominent role in the breakaway group of Labour-led councils.

Read more: The grim reality of council budget cuts

But sources claim Mr Macmillan, who just last week won the Scottish Local Government Politician of the Year Award, is giving himself six months "to prepare to re-enter the real world".

One source added: "Even with Mark at the helm, Labour will probably lose. He's giving himself some breathing space whilst in a job to find another. Many others in local will soon find themselves out of work. He's giving himself a headstart."

The Herald understands Mr Macmillan informed his local branch he would not stand again on Monday night. The local party will be selecting candidates for May in the coming weeks.

The 45 year old was first elected to Renfrewshire Council in 1999 and became council leader in 2012 when Scottish Labour took over its administration.

He was previously a manager in the Kibble Foundation, which provides care for vulnerable young people.

Read more: The grim reality of council budget cuts

Favourites to succeed him as leader of Labour either in administration or opposition are Jacqueline Henry, the wife of former Scottish Executive minister Hugh Henry, and Tommy Williams, a former social worker in Glasgow.

In August City of Edinburgh Council leader Andrew Burns announced he would stand down at next year's local elections, the 52-year-old claiming he wanted to "focus on a different phase" in his life not involving "front-line politics, in any shape or form - whatsoever".

Around a dozen members of the ruling Labour administration in Glasgow are also to quit politics in May.

Mr Macmillan said: “I believe this is the right time for me to move on and build a new career outside of local government politics. This is a decision that is entirely personal and has not been made lightly, but it is the right one for me and for my family.

“I will not be standing in the local elections next May but I will see out my term of office as leader of the council and will leave the council in the best position possible for the future.

“The local selection process for candidates for elections next year will start shortly and it is right that going into that process that I make my intention clear so that the party has all the information available to make the right decision to select a candidate that will fight to represent the interests of the people of Paisley.”

Read more: The grim reality of council budget cuts

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale MSP said: “Mark Macmillan has been an extraordinary public servant and I would like to thank him for the outstanding work he has done for the people of Renfrewshire. While I am sad that he is leaving local government, Mark can be very proud of his legacy.

“After many years in office he has been instrumental in the changes that have been delivered in the region, despite the financial challenges faced as a result of SNP cuts from Edinburgh."