The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
SNP and Lib Dems in Power talks
News on the future leadership of Aberdeen City Council could break later today – after a whirlwind of talks yesterday.
The SNP added a seat to their tally in Thursday’s election but remain three short of the 23-member majority they set out to win.
It means the nationalists will look to form a coalition, most likely with the council’s four Liberal Democrats. Both parties have been in opposition for the last decade.
It is understood the SNP could update the public on the outcome of talks with other – as yet unnamed – parties later today.
On Friday night, group leader Alex Nicoll told The Press and Journal he “wouldn’t want to rule in or rule out any particular group” from coalition talks.
Kincorth, Nigg and Cove councillor Mr Nicoll was renewed as his group’s leader on Friday night.
The SNP 20 held their AGM immediately after the election count at P&J Live.
Fellow Kincorth, Nigg and Cove councillor Miranda Radley will now likely play a prominent role in a SNP-led administration.
She was named group depute leader, replacing Kingswells, Sheddocksley and Summerhill member David Cameron. Last night, Liberal Democrat leader Ian Yuill confirmed he had spoken with the SNP.
But he also revealed plans to speak to both Labour and the Conservatives.
He told us: “We want to implement as much of our Liberal Democrat manifesto for Aberdeen as we can.
“Councillors should work together across the council.
“I can confirm we have had contact with two other political groups on the council, and I expect to speak to the other tonight.”
The Lib Dems added a fourth to their number at Friday’s vote count, as Desmond Bouse reclaimed George Street and Harbour
Meanwhile Labour took second spot on the council by winning back seats in Bridge of Don and Kingswells, Sheddocksley and Summerhill.
They had lost both at the 2017 election.
Celebrating his party’s resurgence on Friday night, deputy leader Ross Grant told us: “I would certainly very much hope that Aberdeen Labour has an influential position going forward.”
The Conservatives lost three city council seats – one to each of the other main groups.
Ryan Houghton, who hopped wards from George Street and Harbour to Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee, will continue as group leader.
New Kincorth, Nigg and Cove Conservative councillor Rick Brooks has been appointed his deputy.
In Aberdeenshire, Conservative Troup councillor Mark Findlater has been chosen to head up the local authority’s largest political group.
Mr Findlater – who served with the Royal Corps of Signals – was reelected by his northern Aberdeenshire constituents last week after a decade in the job.
He told The P&J: “I became a councillor 10 years ago because I wanted to do my best for my community.
“I’ve now had 10 years of finding out how to get things done, working with council officers and all communities.”
Mearns councillor George Carr will serve as Conservative group deputy leader, while Ann Ross, of Banchory and Mid-Deeside, is group chairwoman.
And it is understood the top Tories will begin talks as quickly as today to discuss forming a coalition with the Liberal Democrats.
The two parties have been in power for much of the last 10 years.
Previously they were aided in administration by a group of independents.
But this term, the pair would form a majority administration by teaming up again.
Conservative council leader Andy Kille stepped down and Liberal Democrat deputy Peter Argyle lost his Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside seat.
Another prominent Lib Dem, provost Bill Howatson, also chose to bow out.