Local Authorities Guide: East Lothian Council

The following is a Q&A with Labour Norman Hampshire, leader of East Lothian council.

The Public Sector Reform strategy is a key mission of the Scottish Government. What does that mean for you and your council?

Key to public sector reform is the recognising the principle of everyone working together. By ensuring the essential role of local government is understood and better resourced, councils and communities can be empowered to make decisions whilst continuing to deliver high-quality services that meet the expectations of our communities. Bringing the European Charter of Local Self Government into Scots Law would be an important way of recognising the important role of councils. We also need a fiscal framework that gives councils a guaranteed share of the Scottish Budget which local government is empowered to spend as it determines appropriate to meet local needs.

Are there particular innovative or collaborative ways of working that you can point to in your own council as examples of how you can do more with less?

East Lothian is one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas and, while this brings various challenges with it, we are determined to do everything we can to work with others to grow the local economy, be innovative and create opportunities for the future. Good examples would be work in relation to redevelopment of the former Cockenzie Power Station site, the new community being developed at Blindwells and the Edinburgh Innovation Hub next to Queen Margaret University.

AI is held up as a potential game changer in terms of public service delivery but, on the ground, what contribution is digital technology making to your own approach?

Developments in digital technology, including AI, are exciting with great potential. We can see that there is scope to deliver massive improvements whilst helping us to be increasingly efficient in how we run services. It is important though that we receive the support necessary to fully maximise the benefits, both in terms of developing our people and rolling out technology.

What counts as a good day in the office?

On a good day, we progress our growth plans and continue to deliver the quality services needed by communities. We often face difficult choices and changes and it is important that we explain the challenging environment in which we operate, whilst engaging effectively to enhance services, developing the local economy and enhancing the environment. On each day that we are able to make progress, it is a good day in the office.

What keeps you awake at night?

We have delivered one of highest growth rates in Scotland, with many communities seeing their population grow significantly. We have ensured new development includes affordable housing. Another important aspect is adaptable housing and quality housing for older people. We want to reduce the need for temporary accommodation and ensure everyone has a house suitable for their needs. As well as thinking about the implications of budget decisions, considering what more we can do to help people is something I think about a great deal.

How do you describe what you do as council leader to a stranger?

I am responsible for bringing people together to deliver our council plan and to be accountable when things go well or go wrong. I also need to be prepared to listen to other people’s views and ideas but always take decisions in the best interests of the future of East Lothian.
My role involves working with everyone together – my own political group, opposition groups – as well as our employees, who have the incredibly hard job of continuing to deliver quality services. As a leader, I accept that, while in local government we have different political groups, we are all here for the same thing: to improve the lives of people our communities.  

This article appears in Holyrood's Local Authorities Guide 2026.