Stornoway North Councillor Gordon Murray takes over while Mr Manford continues as the local councillor for Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay and South Uist.
Cllr Manford said: “After ten years as the SNP group leader on CnES, the time is right for me to hand over the reins to someone else.
“Working closely with colleagues and guiding the group over the past decade has been a huge privilege. I will now be concentrating all my efforts on ensuring that the Comhairle focuses more effort on tackling the huge issues of disparity and opportunity facing the Southern Isles in particular.”
Gordon Murray said he was “honoured” to be elected into the post.
He said Donald Manford has been at the “heart of our growth at the Comhairle and in presenting a real vision for change as set out in our published manifesto.
“Donald is the voice of calm and intelligent commentary in the chamber. The group has benefited enormously from his advice, leadership and experience. I am delighted that he will still be there to support me as I take on my new role as group leader.”
Local MSP Alasdair Allan said the “irreplaceable” Donald Manford made an “immensely valuable contribution” to local politics
“A passionate advocate of localism and a fierce defender of his own community, he has often found himself the lone voice of dissent where dissent has been desperately needed.”
He said Gordon Murray is “one of the most trusted and hardest working” councillors with the “dynamic and enthusiastic leadership that we need.”
MP Angus MacNeil said the new group leader is “diligent, hardworking and compassionate.”
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group has appointed a new group leader after Donald Manford recently decided to step down from the role.
Donald Manford and Gordon Murray
New leader for SNP group on comhairle
22 June 2017