SEVERAL councils across Scotland are still in limbo as the various political parties and independent councillors negotiate on who will form the administrations of their local authorities.
The largest council still without a clear administration is Edinburgh, the country’s second largest authority. The National understands that the 12-member Labour group have rejected any deal with the Conservatives and sources say the SNP as largest group with 19 members is still keen to do a coalition deal.
The SNP group has already said it will nominate former leader Frank Ross as the new Lord Provost.
He said: “There is no higher civic honour than being asked to represent the capital of Scotland on a local and worldwide stage.
“I’m determined to ensure that all the diverse elements of civic life have a voice in our council chamber and I’ll be working to make sure our council is as inclusive as possible.”
In neighbouring Midlothian the Labour Group are likely to form a minority administration.
Kelly Parry, Midlothian SNP group leader said: “In other parts of Scotland Labour and the SNP have worked together to unite against the Tories. The Midlothian SNP group were disappointed that this was ruled out without even having a conversation, particularly as our group offered these talks with no restrictions or caveats whatsoever. It is disappointing to see that Midlothian Labour would rather rely on Tory votes in the chamber than put forward a progressive united approach for Midlothian or even speak to the SNP.”
Angus Council’s administration now consists of eight Conservative councillors, two Liberal Democrats and eight of the nine Independents.
Kirriemuir Conservative Councillor Ronnie Proctor is the new Provost, gaining 18 votes against nine for Forfar’s SNP Councillor Lynne Devine.
In Moray, councillors have until this morning to agree who will form the administration as the new council’s first meeting is scheduled to take place later.
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