EDINBURGH Council will not be run by an SNP-LibDem coalition, Alex Cole-Hamilton’s party has confirmed.
The SNP group in the capital won 19 seats out of a total of 63 in Thursday’s election, with Labour on 13 and the LibDems on 12.
The LibDems, who have doubled their representation, confirmed they will not enter into a power-sharing agreement with the largest council group.
Robert Aldridge, LibDem leader in Edinburgh, said: “Last week, the Liberal Democrats doubled our number of councillors and our share of the vote. People across Edinburgh turned to us because they wanted a new and different approach. We heard time and time again on the doorsteps how voters were fed up with the SNP’s arrogance, its centralised approach, and its inability to get basic council services right. The election offered the chance for real change.
“During our discussions over the weekend, it became clear that SNP councillors have learned nothing from the difficulties of the last Council term and plan to simply continue with their previous approach. Liberal Democrats believe the people of Edinburgh deserve better than this. It is why our group has agreed we will not enter into any agreement with the SNP on Edinburgh Council.
“We remain open to continue our discussions with other parties. We want to work constructively in the interest of the city we serve and explore options on how the Council can change for the better.”
For the past two terms, the capital’s council has been run by the SNP and Labour following a co-operation deal.
The LibDem announcement could hint at another SNP-Labour administration taking charge, with informal talks reported to have taken place between the parties. However, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has officially ruled out “formal coalitions”.
SNP group leader Adam McVey said: ”We emerged from Thursday’s election as clearly the largest party, having set out a positive, progressive vision for Edinburgh with a detailed programme to improve our local services. We will continue talks with progressive parties about how to take forward the change Edinburgh needs to be fairer, greener and deliver the best for our residents.”
Labour chief Cammy Day told the Herald: "We will take on board what the party’s final decision is about any arrangements and partnerships with other parties.
“We’ve increased our vote across the city, we’ve got two new councillors, we’ve now the second-biggest group in the council chamber so we will be looking to have these discussions with different parties.
“For me, it’s not a straightforward let’s work with the biggest party, it will be let’s work to see who can deliver Labour’s manifesto and get the best for the city.”
Thursday's results made grim reading for Edinburgh Tories, who won just nine seats, down from 18 in 2017.
The Greens, meanwhile, made gains as they secured 10 seats.
Commenting on the announcement from Edinburgh LibDems, party leader Cole-said: “I’m fully supportive of our councillors taking these decisions. The arrogant and hubristic SNP are still refusing to admit that Edinburgh needs to change course.
“Scottish Liberal Democrat councillors will hold them to account, standing up for the public and bringing new hope to the communities which elected them.”
