Senior council figures have called for stability as it emerged Aberdeenshire Council could be facing another period of political turbulence.
A decision taken by the authority last Thursday means the chair and vice-chair posts on all of the council’s policy committees are up for grabs.
Following two recent by-elections, opposition councillors now hold the balance of power in Woodhill House.
The Alliance coalition of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Aligned Independent councillors could seize control of every committee and effectively run council policy.
However, last night, Alliance leaders claimed they would act as a “responsible opposition”.
Conservative leader Jim Gifford said: “Our commitment has always been and will remain firmly focused on what is best for our residents, businesses and visitors.
“The stability of the council is therefore of great importance and, with numbers as they are, our role as a responsible opposition is more pivotal.”
He added that the council must “steer the best course through stormy waters”.
Liberal Democrat leader Karen Clark echoed her colleague’s statement.
She said: “We are certainly open to playing an active role in addressing the massive challenges this council is facing.”
And Independent Group coordinator, Norman Smith, added: “Aberdeenshire Council has always had a reputation for working across politics, something that has been lost over the past eighteen months.
“The new situation means that we have a real chance to get back to that way of working.”
Council co-leader Richard Thomson hit out at the suggestion his administration was under threat from the committee shake up.
He added: “If there is a change in administration in January, it will not be because the Partnership administration has ‘voted itself out of power’.
“It will be because the opposition will have done what they already have the numbers to do, if they so choose.”
