Nicola Sturgeon’s mother has stepped down as provost of North Ayrshire Council just days after her father’s by-election defeat triggered the SNP losing control of the area.
The move comes after Robin Sturgeon’s failed bid to become the third member of his family to win elected office led to Labour signalling its intent to stage a takeover and seize control of the council.
The party’s victory in Irvine last week left it with 12 councillors to the SNP’s 11, with six independents holding the balance of power.
But with indications that Labour may well be on the cusp of attempting to hold a takeover that would see Joan Sturgeon ousted as Provost, the North Ayrshire group instead opted to resign en masse.
In a statement, it said: “Given that the SNP group no longer command the largest representation on the council, it is only right that Labour be given the opportunity to form the next administration of the Council.
“Accordingly the SNP group has taken the difficult decision to resign from administration to allow Labour the opportunity to form an administration.
“In order to ensure the smooth running of the council this resignation will not take place until a new administration can be identified and put in place at the next meeting of the full council.”
North Ayrshire Council Labour Group Leader Councillor Peter McNamara said: “Our first concern must be for the stability of the Council and its ability to continue to deliver services to residents throughout North Ayrshire
“However, the political reality is that, with our victory in the by-election, the Labour Group is now the largest group on the council.
“That means there is much to be discussed and we will be immediately instituting talks with the other political groups and the independent councillors.
“We intend to discuss a variety of options with the aim of coming to a conclusion in due course on the best way forward for the Council and for North Ayrshire.”