Edinburgh's SNP councillors have nominated Liberal Democrat group leader Robert Aldridge to be the City of Edinburgh Council's next Lord Provost.
The move to put a non-SNP member forward for the role comes amidst speculation Labour could bid to enter a minority council administration with backing from the Lib Dems and Tories when councillors meet to vote on Thursday.
The SNP gained 19 seats this year, more than any other party, and will be hoping that offering civic leader duties for Cllr Aldridge can act as a bargaining chip to get its minority coalition with the Greens over the line.
