Talks continue as the political parties look to form administration
Process ongoing as groups look to join forces
A new South Lanarkshire Council administration is yet to be confirmed as political groups continue talks.
The situation is still up in the air, after the SNP received the most seats (27) but failed to form an overall majority of 33.
The Labour group gained 24 seats and the Conservatives secured seven at the local authority election on Thursday, May 5.
There were no confirmed plans as of Tuesday, however the SNP did say they are willing to form another minority administration like the group did in 2017.
The SNP’s group leader, Councillor John Ross (Hamilton South), said: “Negotiations are ongoing in an attempt to form a minority administration.
“The full council meets Wednesday (May 18) and a decision will be taken at that meeting.”
Elsewhere, the Conservative group has announced that it is willing to work with unionist parties to secure an administration.
Councillor Richard Nelson (Larkhall) said: “The South Lanarkshire Conservative Councillor Group are actively promoting a prounionist administration for South Lanarkshire Council.
“We are committed and determined that this is achievable through cooperation and negotiation. The question that remains is, are Scottish Labour going to step up and make this possible?”
The Labour group has yet to confirm if it will join forces with the Conservatives.
However, Labour’s group leader, councillor Joe Fagan, said: “We continue to have constructive talks with other political groups about how the Labour group uses our enhanced voting power in South Lanarkshire to better serve our communities.
“The process is ongoing.” Following the recent election, the SNP are once again the largest single party in the local authority.
They saw off a challenge from Labour to remain in the driving seat but fell short of obtaining an overall majority.
A total of 64 seats were up for grabs across 20 wards – with nine parties and 10 independent candidates running in the recent election.
The SNP secured 27 wins and kept all of their seats, while Labour made gains with 24 (up from 22).
The Conservatives secured seven seats, down seven from 2017.
The Liberal Democrats now have three seats, up two from 2017.
There are two Independent councillors and the Greens also
have their first South Lanarkshire councillor.
The SNP received 36.9 per cent of the vote, Labour took 31.7 per cent and the Conservatives ended up with 17.2 per cent.
Liberal Democrats picked up 5.4 per cent, Independent councillors gained 4.8 per cent and the Greens got 1.5 per cent of votes.
For a party to have an overall majority, it must win 33 seats, and no party achieved this.
A full council meeting is scheduled to take place today (Wednesday, May 18), when the decision of who will form the administration will take place.