North Lanarkshire SNP is in discussions with other parties and independent councillors with a view to forming the next administration following their election win on Thursday.
The SNP has once again been returned as the largest party, but are just short of the 39 seats required for an overall majority.
Councillor Jordan Linden, who was re-elected as the local Leader of the SNP unanimously by SNP councillors on Friday night, has said he would be willing to form a minority administration, but would prefer a confidence and supply arrangement with other councillors to provide more stability for the council and to deliver for local people.
The SNP has reiterated its position that there will be no discussion with the Conservatives
Councillor Linden told Lanarkshire Live : “The people of North Lanarkshire have once again made it clear they want the SNP to lead any administration locally and deliver the commitments we made in our manifesto.
“My group got straight to work on Friday following the count and we have spent the weekend in discussions with likeminded parties to see if we can come together to deliver collectively for the people of North Lanarkshire.
“That Labour - who came second - are trying to cobble together 39 councillors with the support of the Tories and the right-wing BUP is as worrying as it is disgraceful.
“The people of North Lanarkshire are angry at Labour’s deal with the Tories for the last five years – they will be furious at the prospect of even more extreme parties being drafted in to run our local services, especially after being roundly rejected at the Ballot Box.
“It’s time for Labour to accept the democratic mandate that has been given once again to the SNP and work with our administration to deliver improved services locally.”
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