A new SNP-led administration could be in place on Aberdeenshire Council within days after a special meeting of members was called yesterday.
The current opposition councillors requested a extraordinary meeting on June 8, and made it clear they would vote to replace the provost, deputy provost and chairmen of the local authority’s policy committees.
Members are also expected to elect a new leader.
It follows a turbulent few weeks at Aberdeenshire Council, in which four members quit the current Conservative/Liberal Democrat/Independent administration, paving the way for a new SNP-led coalition to take over.
The nationalist group will gather on Monday to decide who could fill the senior roles within a new administration.
Last night SNP group leader Hamish Vernal said: “I’m expecting that there will be a vote to determine a new provost and deputy provost, and then votes to determine new committee chairs.
“We will be looking to determine those places this coming Monday morning.”
Mr Vernal insisted his position as SNP leader did not automatically put him in the frame for the council leadership, adding: “All roles are up for discussion”.
Independent councillor and former deputy leader Martin Kitts-Hayes – whose resignation set in motion the change in administration – said: “It’s my expectation that we will have a new administration in place by lunchtime on June 8, which will not involve the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats or a number of the Independents.
“In terms of where we go from here I hope the current administration would have the good grace to resign so we could have a smooth transition.”
Current council leader and Conservative councillor Jim Gifford said: “Council business is proceeding regardless of the machinations of the various council groups. There’s important work to be done and we’ll continue to do that as a minority administration up until the point that council meeting happens.
He continued: “I’m very disappointed we couldn’t continue and finish what we started; there are significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead not least with the budget pressures coming our way and the integration of social work and health care, which is a huge piece of work.”
The special meeting will take place in the council chamber of Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters at 10.15am on Monday, June 8.