Steady ship fast...

majority.

Since then, the number has gone down further from the 39 first elected – after the latest resignations, it’s now 36.

The SNP lost two last year when Russell Robertson resigned and Glenn Elder left, and gained one with Anne McTaggart jumping ship from Labour.

Both cited concerns about the council leadership and both had other matters to deal with.

With Mr Elder it was accusations of improper conduct, with Mr Robertson it was a court case.

There have been other resignations and sackings within the group as politicians struggle for power.

Allan Gow, ex-city Treasurer and in the most powerful post after the leader, was removed this year by Susan Aitken after he challenged her for the leadership.

She won the vote by 19 votes to 17. Business manager John Letford was also a casualty, sacked.

Both, however, despite voicing their concerns about the leadership, stayed in the party.

Perhaps they were still harbouring ambitions further down the line.

None of those who have resigned present a direct threat to the leadership as they are relatively unknown, and it means two fewer votes available for anyone who does want to challenge next year, but it doesn’t mean they pose no risk.

Under the SNP, the council has settled equal pay, ended a damaging janitors’ strike and has big plans for new transport in the city.

The danger for the leader is that these achievements and ambitions are undermined by internal politics.

With the council elections in 2022, Susan Aitken has just under two years to get a ship on an even keel before sailing into the uncertain waters of public opinion.