Steve Cardownie beats off threat to SNP leadership

CITY SNP chief Steve Cardownie has survived a threat to his leadership after seeing off competition for the top job at the local party AGM.

Councillor Cardownie, who has led the city council SNP group since 2007, was challenged by Cllr Sandy Howat in a close-fought election at the City Chambers last night.

The veteran city politician won by a comfortable majority of five votes. Seventeen SNP councillors attended the AGM, with former economic development convenor Tom Buchanan being the only absentee due to illness.

Both candidates gave short presentations before the vote was taken. An insider said: “There is no rift or division within the party, it’s a healthy democratic process.

“Steve and Sandy even enjoyed a pint afterwards to show there was no bad blood.”

Last year Cllr Cardownie saw off a challenge from ex-Lothians MSP Stefan Tymkewycz by 14 votes to four.