Aberdeen Lib Dem council leader stands down after SNP win

A Liberal Democrat council leader has resigned from his post today following an SNP by-election win.

Councillor John Stewart intimated his resignation as leader of Aberdeen City Council following the results of the Airyhall/Broomhill/Garthdee by-election held yesterday.

Until now, Mr Stewart's party has led a Liberal Democrat/SNP coalition within the council.

He said: "While the Liberal Democrats were the largest party on the council, we had a responsibility to lead the formation of a stable coalition for the long-term good of the city and the council.

"Following recent by-election results, we are no longer the largest party.

"Therefore, I have written to the chief executive to tender my resignation and to allow the SNP group the opportunity to undertake this responsibility.

"Of course, the council leadership is a matter for council itself and I would reconsider should, for whatever reason, council wish me to continue."

The by-election was held in the wake of the jailing of Scott Cassie, who resigned as a councillor in April after admitting embezzlement.

A previous by-election saw the SNP group, led by Callum McCaig, 26, become the largest party in the city.

SNP candidate Gordon Townson was elected at stage eight, with 1,112 first-preference votes, with Labour's Angela Taylor receiving 783 votes.

Liberal Democrat candidate Gregor McAbery was fourth with 554 votes, behind Conservative candidate Bill Berry, on 649 votes.

The turnout for the by-election was just over 29per cent.