The group leaders of political parties in Aberdeen City Council are expected to meet today in attempt to overcome the political deadlock following last week’s election.
The SNP emerged as the winners by picking up 19 seats – but fell short of an overall majority.
Now Liberal Democrat leader Ian Yuill – whose party has become the kingmaker after winning four seats – has called all the group heads to meet face to face in an attempt to overcome differences.
Councillor Jenny Laing of Labour, Douglas Lumsden of the Conservatives, Stephen Flynn of the SNP and Marie Boulton from the Independents are expected to meet today.
Mr Yuill said people were fed up of councillors fighting “national battles” in the chamber and wanted to forge a consensus.
He also said he had not made any commitments over coalition arrangements.
He said: “I have invited the group leaders to a meeting.
“I am hoping to have a conservation to see if it is possible to find a better way of working, to address concerns and be more co-operative.
“People are fed up of arguments in the council chamber and political parties refighting battles along national grounds.
“I am hopeful but realistic about this.
“The Liberal Democrat group has taken no view on deals with any other party.”
The Nationalists could be denied power if the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats formed a coalition as this comes to a total of 24 seats.
Earlier this week Tory leader Douglas Lumsden said he had been in talks and was “confident” of preventing the SNP from regaining power.
Ms Boulton confirmed she would be in attendance at the meeting.
She said: “I will be there, it will be interesting to see what suggestions are put on the table.
“I have ruled out working with the SNP because I do not believe in independence, but that does not mean that 45 councillors cannot work together.”