Crunch talks are taking place today to form a council in Perth and Kinross.
Previous administration leader Ian Miller, who has been reappointed as head of the region’s SNP group, said he hoped a decision could be reached by close of play.
Councillor Miller, who will represent the Strathmore ward for another term after winning his seat by a sizeable majority in Thursday’s election, added that ”all options were still being considered”.
The SNP won 18 seats, compared to the Conservatives’ 10, the Liberal Democrats’ five and Labour’s four. Four independents were also elected.
The Nationalists who were three people short of a majority have paired up with the Lib Dems in recent years. However, with Lib Dems’ support taking a severe knock in Thursday’s polling there has been speculation as to whether the bond will be maintained.
”Talks are currently at a tentative stage but we hope to make a lot of progress after the initial briefing,” Mr Miller said on Sunday.
Today’s briefing was scheduled to break up at noon, after which councillors were to gather to discuss possible allegiances.
Mr Miller added: ”We in the SNP are keeping our options open. We are talking to our former partners, the Lib Dems, but also Labour and the Conservatives.
”We are lucky here in Perth and Kinross that all the parties get along and work well together so it is not a clear-cut decision. All points will be considered.”
Mr Miller said he could not comment on rumours that the Lib Dems’ poor performance which saw former depute council leader George Hayton and long-serving councillor Lorraine Caddell voted out might stop the SNP from forming a coalition with the party.
Prior to the recent administration, there had been a ”rainbow coalition” of the Lib Dems, Labour and the Tories, which ultimately fell apart a year into its second term.
It has been suggested the balance of power could now rest with the four independent members one a former Conservative and one a former Lib Dem.
Commenting on the SNP’s performance in Perth and Kinross, Mr Miller stated: ”We have exactly the same number of elected members as before but we actually increased our vote by around 3%.
”We came within a hair’s breadth in two other seats all in all, it was a good outcome.”
Once the council is formed, members will then meet to appoint a new provost.
A meeting has been scheduled for next Wednesday and a decision must be reached by May 23.
Councillors believed to be throwing their hat in the ring to take over from John Hulbert include Jack Coburn and Liz Grant, both SNP.For full election results visit www.pkc.gov.uk