‘Fantastic’ alliance ready to take charge

Talks already under way as major players talk optimistically of possibly forming new administration as early as this week

Initial discussions between Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors about forming a rainbow administration to run Angus Council appear to have gone well.

There were positive informal talks between some councillors at the council offices at The Cross in Forfar on Saturday morning and it is likely an agreement to form an administration will be made this week.

Of the 28 council seats in Angus, the SNP and Independents each won nine, Conservatives were appointed in eight and the Liberal Democrats won two.

Several frontrunners have already emerged for key positions in the new administration.

The Courier understands Brechin and Edzell Independent Bob Myles, who led the Angus Alliance between 2007 and 2012, is keen to have another spell as leader but may face a challenge from a Conservative candidate.

The Tory councillors will hold a meeting this afternoon to discuss whether to put up a candidate.

Several sources have confirmed that Kirriemuir Conservative Ronnie Proctor and Forfar Independent Colin Brown are both interested in the role of provost.

Mr Myles said: “We’ve had initial discussions. There’s nothing finalised yet. There seems to be an appetite to take on the administration again but it’s early days.”

Arbroath Independent David Fairweather has said he is interested in a “senior position” with his name mentioned in connection to the deputy leader role.

New Kirriemuir Conservative councillor Angus Macmillan Douglas, who has vast business experience, may become the council’s finance spokesman in the new set-up.

Mr Proctor said: “People in Angus have voted Conservative and independent people in because they want a change in administration.”

Mr Brown added: “I think there will be a change in administration. I think we now have a fantastic group of people with an abundance of experience.

“I think we have the makings of a very good team.”

I think we have the makings of a very good team. We’ve got an abundance of experience

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Clockwise from top: Montrose and District winners, from left, Tommy Stewart, Bill Duff, returning officer Richard Stiff, Mark Salmond and Ron Sturrock; Brechin and Edzell winners Gavin Nicol, Bob Myles and Kenny Braes, and Ben Lawrie, who was victorious in Monifieth.