Labour to run Aberdeen City Council with Tories and Independents

Labour have struck a deal to run Aberdeen City Council in coalition with the Conservatives and Independents, it was confirmed today.

Labour emerged as the biggest party after last week’s election with 17 seats, two ahead of the SNP.

Both parties had been in talks to run the Granite City as a Coalition, but the deal ran into trouble over controversial proposals to excavate the city’s Union Terrace Gardens.

Labour sources indicate that First Minister Alex Salmond, an MSP in neighbouring Aberdeenshrie, was against any deal which could scupper the plans backed by tycoon Sir Ian Wood to create a new city square in the landmark gardens.

A free vote will now be held on the council on the development, but it is expected to be rejected.

The city had previously been run by a coalition of Nationalists and the Liberal Democrats who were decimated at the elections.