A cross-party group has been formed in Moray to prevent chaos following next year’s council elections.
The authority is facing an exodus of members while officials battle to come up with saving plans to stave off bankruptcy by April 2018.
Sources within the council headquarters estimate that up to two thirds of councillors will not seek election again when residents go to the ballot box in May.
The wave of resignations means a new administration is certain to come into power.
In order to plan for the transition, a five-year business plan is being drawn up to smooth the way following the election.
SNP group leader Gary Coull, who has already confirmed he plans to quit for a career in teaching, said: “There are a lot of major projects in the pipeline in Moray that elected
councillors need to give clear leadership on such as a city region deal, the building of new schools and levering in more money for council housing amongst others.
“Therefore, it is important to see discussions happen between the different political groups in the council.
“It is also important that we ensure that those elected in May can hit the ground running when they come into office given the scale of the challenges ahead.”
Council leader Stewart Cree, convener Allan Wright, and long-serving members Ron Shepherd, Pearl Paul and Mike McConnachie are among those stepping down.
Douglas Ross announced he would not stand again after being elected as an MSP.
The cross-party group includes four members from the administration, four from the SNP group and a Labour councillor.
The board will meet regularly with leading council officers to get a head start in shaping their agenda before potentially taking office.
Mr Cree said: “We will aim to pave the way for a new council and a new administration in May without tying their hands because it will be up to them how they shape the future.”
Labour leader John Diver said: “There is a lot of work to do in a short period of time but I detect a genuine willingness – even eagerness – to work together.”
