New times could revive

Informal talks already starting to keep out SNP after shock results across county

Informal discussions are under way about an “Angus Alliance” being formed to keep the SNP out of power in Angus Council.

The Conservatives doubled the number of seats they hold on the council from four to eight while the SNP total dropped from 14 to nine in a series of shock results.

Nine independents were returned, along with two Liberal Democrats.

Brechin and Edzell Independent councillor Bob Myles, who previously led the Angus Alliance, which had power from 2007 to 2012, said he would consider taking on the leadership role again if he were asked.

“I am prepared to work with other groups to get the best for Angus,” he said. “It looks like there will definitely need to be an alliance of some sort and the Angus Alliance worked very well.”

Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim Independent councillor David Fairweather said he would consider taking on a “senior position”.

He said: “I’m absolutely shocked what has happened to the SNP.

“I think this is going to be an extremely difficult administration to put together. The normal horse trading will start. I will make a decision after I have spoken to all the relevant parties.”

Former Angus Alliance finance convener Mark Salmond said: “I am not ruling myself out of anything; I will see what needs done and the opportunities that are there.”

Independent Carnoustie councillor Brian Boyd said: “The fun will begin. Some people have started to lobby already. I’m keeping an open mind at the moment.”

Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim SNP councillor Alex King, who served as provost following the death of Carnoustie councillor Helen Oswald last year, said he would be happy to put his name forward for that role.

However, new Monifieth and Sidlaw Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Lawrie said he would not be willing to work with an SNP administration, given the cuts made by the previous council.

The fun will begin. Some people have started to lobby already. BRIAN BOYD

Pictures: Kim Cessford. From top: candidate Bob Myles watching the live updates screen; Lois Speed, who won a seat in Arbroath East and Lunan; and some of the new faces elected to Angus Council.