Moray Council’s SNP and Tory groups have been described as “fearties” as they refuse to approach one another to discuss the future of the region.
Independent Forres member, George Alexander, lashed out as talks to form a coalition administration remained at a stalemate yesterday.
The Conservatives and Nationalists have been negotiating with Independents all week in an effort to form a ruling group.
But Councillor Alexander says he refuses to side with either until they “stop being childish” and talk to each other.
Mr Alexander said: “I have been trying my best to get the Tory and SNP groups to speak to each other, but I understand both are instructed against that by higher-ups.
“It is a disgrace that people outside Moray Council are deciding how elected members behave.
“We are stuck in a position where neither of them can create a majority group, and that’s what annoys me about party politics.”
Nine SNP and eight Conservative councillors were voted in during last week’s election.
Five Independent members, including Mr Alexander, previously indicated that they would entertain partnership talks with both sides.
A new local authority leader and convener are supposed to be appointed during a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.
Mr Alexander said his optimism about that taking place crumbled as the week went on.
He added: “I hope common sense prevails by next week but with the general election so soon, I can’t see any resolution.
“I can’t speak for my colleagues, but I won’t be joining any group of people who behave so immaturely.
“Both groups are terrified of speaking to each other, they are acting like fearties who are scared of angering their masters.”
It is understood that next week’s meeting could be postponed, as councillors have until May 26 to form an administration.
The SNP group’s co-leader, Shona Morrison, said: “We have had constructive discussions with other Independents and Labour and we have made clear that we are keen to have further discussions.
“I have never found attacking others to be a good negotiating tactic.
“We talked with Mr Alexander as well, and while he may not like political parties in local government, more than two thirds of the council come from them.”
Conservative leader, James Allan, said his group remained in talks about forming an administration.
