Glenrothes’ leading councillors could be ousted from their positions next week just days after their party secured victory in the town’s latest by-election.
Labour Party members of the Glenrothes area committee have lodged a motion to remove SNP chairwoman Fiona Grant and vice-chairman Ross Vettraino, at the group’s monthly meeting on Wednesday.
Despite Julie Ford winning Thursday’s ballot for the SNP, the party has five members on the town’s decision making body, the same as Labour.
Bill Brown, a former SNP councillor who is now an independent, holds the balance of power and it is believed that he may back the motion to remove his former party from the hot seat, after supporting the Labour candidate for Thursday’s election.
Remaining tight-lipped over what could happen next week, Mr Brown told The Courier: “I supported Alan Seath because I thought he was the best candidate.
“I do wish Julie Ford all the best though and I’m really pleased for her. I’m sure she will be a great councillor.”
The SNP only took control of the Glenrothes area committee from Labour in March.
Craig Walker’s by-election victory gave the party a one-person majority before Mr Brown left the group to continue as an independent.
Previously, Labour councillor Altany Craik had acted as chairman of the influential body, though it remains to be seen whether he would take the reins again should Wednesday’s removal motion be passed.
The move would take the shine off the SNP’s crushing victory of Labour on Thursday, which saw Ms Ford secure 2,235 votes, almost double the number of Mr Seath.
Meanwhile, both Lorna Ross, the Scottish Green candidate, and Jonathan Gray, Conservative, secured just 113 and 234 votes respectively. Turnout, however, was low at just 27.1%.
Meanwhile, reports that some voters had not received their polling cards will be investigated by Fife Council.
Though not required to cast a ballot, it is believed that the lack of a polling card may have deterred some people from turning out.
The town’s MP, Peter Grant, has asked anybody affected to contact him directly.
“I have already had an informal discussion with the returning officer, who has assured me that his staff will review the delivery of the polling cards,” he said.
“The lower than usual turnout at the by-election may have been a consequence of cards that were not received.”