Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrats have announced they will not agree to enter any coalition to run the city’s local authority.
Ian Yuill, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, told councillors the party could “best serve our city and its citizens” by not entering any administrative grouping.
He said: “The Liberal Democrats believe we can best serve our constituents and Aberdeen by not joining any coalition. We will instead consider every issue before the council on its merits on a case-by-case basis.
“The Liberal Democrats will provide constructive opposition to whatever administration is‎ formed. We will continue to make the positive case for Liberal Democrat policies and priorities.”
The SNP remain the largest party in the council but the announcement opens the door for a minority government or coalition of unionists parties and independents to take control of the authority.
A total of 19 SNP councillors were returned at the local government elections last week, up from 16 in 2012.
Meanwhile, the Conservative increased their share from three to 11 and Labour’s total halved to nine.
The Lib Dems meanwhile reduced their share by one seat down to four.
