ANALYSIS

The headlines were to read: “Tories take back control of Perth and Kinross Council”.

But yesterday morning’s launch was overshadowed by a rift, when the sole Labour councillor insisted he was not part of the Tory’s top team – despite what was announced just hours earlier.

It is not clear why Mr Bailey was named as part of the coalition, but there’s clearly been a communication breakdown somewhere.

Hopefully, this shambolic start won’t be indicative of what is to follow.

Even though they haven’t held their first meeting, the new generation of councillors has already triggered a political row (fuelled, no doubt, by an impending general election).

Depending on your viewpoint, the coalition means five long years of cost-cutting measures or a chance to steer the local authority back on track.

The last administration worked hard to keep politics out of the council chamber and it would be a shame if that changed now there’s a new group in charge.