The SNP look set to take control of Aberdeen City Council after winning 19 of the city’s 45 council seats yesterday.
The nationalists are now the largest party in the Town House, up from 16 – leapfrogging Labour who reduced to nine from 17 in 2012.
A resurgent Conservative party made large gains across the Granite City winning a total of 11 seats – gaining in wards as diverse as Hilton, Woodside and Stockethill to the more affluent Lower Deeside.
The party previously had only three elected members.
SNP chiefs last night said they would now consult with every party, except the Conservatives, about forming a ruling administration after falling short of the 23 councillors needed for a majority.
The Liberal Democrats, who lost a seat and returned four members, could prove to be kingmakers in coalition negotiations – with Lib Dem councillor Ian Yuill pledging to work with “the people of the city”.
With 11 Conservatives, nine Labour and two independent members elected, the previous Labour-led administration would not have the numbers to be formed again against the SNP.
Shock exits from the former administration included finance convener Willie Young, education convener Angela Taylor and planning convener Ramsay Milne.
But former council leader Jenny Laing, deputy leader Marie Boulton, former council leader Barney Crockett and former finance vice-convener Alan Donnelly were all re-elected.
The only way the SNP could be prevented from ruling the council is if all parties united against them – a move which would be a “democratic outrage” according to SNP leader Stephen Flynn.
Chambers will also take on a taste of Holyrood with the election of former SNP MSP Christian Allard to the Torry and Ferryhill ward and Sandra Macdonald, the wife of Labour North East MSP Lewis, to George Street/Harbour.
Last night SNP group leader Stephen Flynn said his party’s results were a “show of confidence” in the SNP.
He said: “I think we need to celebrate that we have achieved this historic victory.
“We will now look to talk to all the party groups, except the Conservatives, about how we go forward.
“The main thing to remember is that we are by far the largest party and it would be a democratic outrage if we didn’t form the next administration.”
Conservative Alan Donnelly, who doubled his vote in the Torry and Ferryhill ward, said the party’s strong opposition to independence had paid dividends.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be elected once again and for so many of my party colleagues to be joining me.
“We still have significant challenges ahead but as a group we will look to work for what’s best for the whole city.”
Labour’s Jenny Laing said: “Obviously I’m pleased to be elected and I would like to thank everyone who came out and voted for me and Aberdeen Labour.
“I’m disappointed that we have lost experienced councillors in this election, but it’s the democratic process and we have to accept people’s opinions.”
Liberal Democrat Ian Yuill said: “Our priorities in any coalition talks will be to work to increase the voice of Aberdeen’s citizens and to implement Liberal Democrat policies.”
A special meeting of the council will take place on May 17 where the ruling administration will be formally installed.
