Parties try to thrash out deal

West Lothian’s political parties were still trying to thrash out a deal yesterday afternoon before today’s ( Thursday) meeting where they will attempt to form a new council.

Last week’s meeting was adjourned following a joint motion by the SNP group leader, Peter Johnston, and the Labour group leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, to allow more time for talks to take place.

The SNP had approached Labour to form a coalition council and had set a deadline of yesterday afternoon for Labour’s answer, otherwise they would move to form a minority administration at today’s meeting.

It is believed that the Conservatives were also in talks with Labour after the SNP ruled out any deal with the Tories. The council must form a new administration within 21 days of the election which means in theory it could again be delayed at today’s meeting.

After last week’s meeting a West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “At a meeting of the Full Council, the council noted the results of the local government elections in West Lothian and the short period between the elections and the statutory first meeting of the council.

“It was unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting until 10am on Thursday, May 18, and to defer the election of the Provost and all remaining items on the agenda until that adjourned meeting.”

Speaking after the meeting, Conservative group leader, Damian Timson, said: “The council have made the right decision in putting Standing Order 25 forward and hopefully something can be out together in the next few days for the benefit of the people of West Lothian.”