The Dundee SNP group has not ruled out forming a minority administration, while point-blank refusing to go into a coalition with the Conservatives.
The Nationalists lost their majority following last Thursday’s local elections, but still remain the largest political party in the city with 14 councillors.
Labour had nine councillors elected, the Conservatives three and the Lib Dems two, while independent councillor Ian Borthwick was once again elected to represent Strathmartine.
The SNP could form a minority administration, or may seek to form a coalition with other parties on a formal or informal basis.
Newly appointed SNP leader Councillor John Alexander will meet with various members from other political parties to discuss potential working agreements this coming week – but ruled out any working coalition with the Conservatives.
Conservative councillor Derek Scott, who was re-elected in the Ferry ward, also ruled out forming a formal coalition with the SNP.
It is thought Labour, who are the second largest party on the council, will not seek to form a coalition with the other parties in order to form their own administration, but are yet to go on record as ruling it out.
Lib Dem councillor Fraser Macpherson would not rule out forming a coalition with any party which was “willing to talk”.
He said: “Craig (Duncan) and I are absolutely delighted to have been elected as representatives for the Ferry and West End wards, and we came very close to having our candidate Daniel Coleman elected in Strathmartine. The Lib Dems had the highest vote share of any candidate in Dundee in the West End, for which I am extremely grateful. There has been an uplift in the Lib Dem vote and a bright future for the party ahead.
“I have spoken to the SNP group leader John Alexander, and will meet with him on Monday. I have made it clear I want what is best for the city. We will speak to every party, as we want what is best for Dundee and to make the administration as stable as possible going forward. The polite thing to do is to speak to every party if they want to speak to us. As I said, we want what is best for the city and could come to a formal agreement if it is what other parties want.”
The SNP met on Sunday, formally electing Councillor John Alexander as group leader.
A full list of party positions are as follows:
Leader: John Alexander
Depute Leader: Willie Sawers
Convener: Mark Flynn
Depute Convener: Christina Roberts
Secretary: Roisin Smith
Depute Secretary: Will Dawson
Whip: Anne Rendall
Treasurer: John Alexander
