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Boundary changes could skew balance of power in Dundee

Dundee Labour leader Kevin Keenan.
Dundee Labour leader Kevin Keenan.

Councillors have been told to consider boundary changes that in previous elections could have run the SNP administration out of office.

The boundary commission proposal to add two new councillors to Dundee could significantly skew the balance of power in the city.

The SNP enjoy a narrow three-member majority in the city chambers but that could radically change if plans to add new councillors to Maryfield and the North East are agreed.

Dundee City Council is considering a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland (LGBCS) which would bring the total number of elected members in the city to 31.

In the 2012 elections in both wards, Labour candidates lost out under the Single Transferable Vote system but would have remained in the running for the proposed additional seat.

Councillors will consider the plans, which also contain a number of boundary changes, on Monday.

LGBCS chairman Ronnie Hinds said: “We are pleased to initiate our consultation on ward boundaries with councils today and look forward to engaging with them on our proposals.

“It is important that electoral arrangements for Scottish councils are effective and our proposals improve electoral parity and as far as possible take account of local ties and special geographical considerations.”

Dundee’s party leaders said they were looking at the changes but that the shifting political landscape may reduce their impact.

Local Labour leader Kevin Keenan said he would look carefully at the “impartial” proposals.

He added: “Given where we are at the moment it is difficult to see what impact the changes could have, particularly given the poll that has just taken place.

“Whatever happens, I would hope the SNP will use the extra influence they have to deliver something for the local community.”

SNP finance spokesman Willie Sawers said his group would seek to make changes that caused the least disruption.

He told The Courier: “The proposal we will be backing will cause less disruption to current boundaries.

“Under some of the proposals, people would have to travel longer distances to vote, which is something we would like to avoid.”

Mr Sawers added that he hoped the SNP would do well in the council elections, scheduled for 2016, regardless of what boundary commission changes were implemented.