Labour will rue deal slams SNP

Labour are set to form a minority administration tomorrow ( Thursday) thanks to the support of 10 new Tory councillors.

Jim Logue is set to return as council leader after the backing of the Conservtative Group.

He has been blasted by the SNP for doing a deal with the Tories

SNP Group leader David Stock hit out after his offers of talks to form a stable administration with Labour to keep out the Conservative Party were snubbed.

But Labour leader Jim Logue hit back and insisted that there was no intention to establish a formal coalition agreement with the Tories or any party.

The SNP secured the most seats at the election with 33 (up six seats), one more than Labour (down nine seats) with the Conservatives gaining 10 seats and independents two.

Councillor Stocks said he was “appalled” by the move for a LabourTory alliance to run the council.

It comes after Councillor Logue said he would be attempting to form an administration at the statutory council meeting on Thursday .

Councillor Stocks said: “Following the voters’ wish, the SNP offered full talks with Labour – seven delegates each – to negotiate a joint administration to keep the Tories out and defend the rights and conditions of working people and the vulnerable. I am disgusted that councillor Logue has ignored this.

“In reality, Labour want to rule with backing from the 10 Tories who hold the balance of power.

“Councillor Logue will now depend on the Tories and there will be a price to pay – there will be moves towards privatisation of council services, as happened with the Labour-Tory administration in Stirling and largescale outsourcing.

“It is the vulnerable who will pay the price of Jim Logue’s Labour-Tory administration.”

Councillor Jim Logue said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, there is absolutely no intention to establish a formal coalition agreement. “Labour are committed to forming a