Plenty of chatting still to do in Dundee

The Dundee SNP group has not ruled out forming a minority administration – but point-blank refused to go into a coalition with the Conservatives.

The Nationalists lost their majority following Thursday’s local elections but still remain the largest political party in the city with 14 councillors.

Labour had nine councillors elected, the Conservatives three and the Lib Dems two, while independent Ian Borthwick was once again elected to represent Strathmartine.

The SNP could form a minority administration, or may seek to form a coalition with other parties on a formal or informal basis. Newly appointed leader John Alexander will meet with various members from other political parties to discuss potential working agreements this coming week – but ruled out any working coalition with the Conservatives.

Tory Derek Scott, who was reelected in the Ferry ward, also ruled out forming a formal coalition with the SNP.

It is thought Labour will not seek to form a coalition with the other parties in order to form their own administration but are yet to go on record as ruling it out.

Lib Dem councillor Fraser Macpherson would not be against forming a coalition with any party which was “willing to talk”.

He said: “I have spoken to the SNP group leader John Alexander and will meet with him on Monday.

“I have made it clear I want what is best for the city.

“We will speak to every party, as we want what is best for Dundee and to make the administration as stable as possible.

“The polite thing to do is to speak to every party if they want to speak to us. We could come to a formal agreement if it is what other parties want.”