Could be key
later strenuously denying claims by the party that he had been colluding with the Tories.
But this time the outspoken self-professed socialist’s presence on the council will be free from party allegiances and he may wish to vote on an issue-by-issue basis.
Whatever happens, it could be a lively time until the first council meeting - and for the next four or five years.
Yesterday (Tuesday) Labour group leader Councillor Chris Kane said: “Labour is the only party in Stirling to increase its number of councillors and I’m delighted to be working again with councillors Brisley and Gibson, and I’m looking forward to working closely with councillors Mcgarvey, Dillon and Preston.
“The people of Stirling have returned the three main parties with broadly similar numbers of councillors and it is incumbent therefore upon all of us to find a way to serve Stirling. The Scottish Labour Party has been clear that there will be no formal coalitions with any other parties.”
And SNP leader Councillor Scott
Farmer said: “The SNP remains open to constructive talks with any progressive party in forwarding a positive vision for the people of Stirling. At this time it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Directly following the announcement of the results, Councillor Farmer told the Observer: “It’s a very satisfying feeling to be elected again to serve the people of Stirling West and to put forward the positive version of the SNP for the people of Stirling.
Ward 5
“The result overall sends a clear message to Boris Johnson that his performance and behaviour has been totally unacceptable and has besmirched politics right across the spectrum.
“We will be concentrating on dealing with the Tory cost of living crisis, assisting those most in need and most vulnerable across our society. That will be our top priority and we will be laser focused on that and getting back to postpandemic recovery as quickly as possible.
“There has been a change in the composition of the parties so it would be premature for me to make any comment other than to say that we will be willing to enter into constructive negotiations to ensure we have a majority that can deliver for the people of Stirling.”
Conservative group leader Councillor Neil Benny said yesterday, however: “The people of Stirling have spoken and support has been spread across the three main parties.
“There is a an opportunity here to deliver real collegiate working, something that the residents and taxpayers of Stirling rightly expect from their councillors.
“I have always advocated co-operation across the council chamber so our door is open, as it always has been, to anyone that is prepared to put Stirling first and have a discussion about how we can work together.”
Council.
SNP - Eight councillors:
Scott Farmer, Graham Houston, Susan Mcgill, Gerry Mclaughlan, Gene Maxwell, Rosemary Fraser, Jim Thomson, Brian Hambly.
CONSERVATIVE - Seven councillors:
Neil Benny, Martin Earl, Douglas Dodds, Bryan Flannagan, Elaine Watterson, Paul Henke, Rachel Nunn.
LABOUR
INDEPENDENT