Outgoing council leader Barney Crockett was voted in as head of the Aberdeen Labour group in 2008, replacing Len Ironside.
At the time, Labour was in opposition, but the party emerged from the 2012 local elections as the largest group within the authority.
A deal was agreed within weeks to form a coalition administration with the Conservatives and the Independent Alliance, with Mr Crockett installed as council leader.
Born in Aberdeen in 1953, Mr Crockett attended Hanover Street and Victoria Road primary schools, as well as Aberdeen Academy, before graduating from Aberdeen University in 1975 and qualifying as a teacher in 1977.
In 1991 he became the director of Grampian Racial Equality Council, before leaving to become a councillor in 2007.
Jenny Laing, currently the council’s education, culture and sport convener, was also first elected to the local authority in 2007.
Mrs Laing followed in the footsteps of her parents, Jim and June Lamond, who both retired prior to the 2007 election.
Mr Lamond was elected to Aberdeen Town Council in 1959 and was lord provost from 1970 to 1971, before representing an English constituency at Westminster for 22 years.
He returned to Grampian Regional Council and then Aberdeen City Council before retiring alongside June, who represented the Stockethill ward for more than 30 years.
Mr Lamond died in November 2007 at the age of 78.
Mrs Laing was brought up in Rosemount and attended Mile-End School, Aberdeen Grammar and Aberdeen University, where she studied economic history.
The Midstocket and Rosemount ward member has taken a lead role in the current administration, spearheading a major review of the city’s school estate.
She was also praised for her assured handling of controversial proposals to merge four city primary schools, in the Bridge of Don and Northfield areas.
The plans were dropped earlier this year, following a consultation with parents, staff and the local authority.