THE SNP is to lead Angus Council after reaching agreement for support with two independent councillors, marking an end to a scandal-ridden Tory dominated administration.
The election saw the SNP gain four seats and remain the largest party, with 13 councillors. There was no overall majority with the rest of the council made up of seven Conservatives, seven independents and one Labour.
The SNP group has announced that it has reached an agreement with two independent councillors, David Cheape and Brian Boyd, to form an administration.
Previously Angus had been led by a Conservative dominated coalition which had been branded “chaotic”.
The Tory councillors included Derek Wann, who hit the headlines after being unmasked as the anonymous Twitter troll “Lady Whistledown” and accused of writing “misogynistic and transphobic” messages.
The SNP’s vote share increased by 7% in the council election, while the Conservatives’ vote share dropped by the same margin.
SNP group leader Beth Whiteside said: “The election result shows that the people of Angus want an administration which looks to the future, acts with maturity, and works cooperatively.
“I am delighted that Councillor Boyd and Councillor Cheape have agreed to work with us in securing these aims.
“After an emphatic win by the SNP, we will now form an ambitious administration, to take Angus forward, and build services fit for the future.”
Cheape, who represents the Carnoustie and District ward, said: “In order to help facilitate and ensure a sound and stable leadership, I am very pleased to join this new and fresh administration as part of a co-operative agreement of support.
“This will help ensure Carnoustie and District is well represented in all decision-making and spending over the next five years.”
Boyd, who was also elected as an independent for Carnoustie and District, added: “I too am keen to support the SNP to ensure a stable administration, based on sound values, that Angus rightfully deserves after the last five years of chaos.
“Over many years of being a councillor, I have always stated that I would work constructively with whomever ‘wins’ the election and I now have to chance to do this for Carnoustie and District and, of course, all of Angus.”
