Local elections

[Moulin Yarns]

Are there elections soon?


The reason I ask is that I have only had one leaflet from an independent candidate seeking re-election. Yesterday the same candidate became the first (only) one to ring the doorbell and asked if I had any local issues.


Very low key here. Still, I'll do some posters of my own 😉


https://hellotreaclestore.com/pages/free-downloads

[Stairway 2 7]

Is it to do with going green. Alot of places are trying to go paperless, I've certainly seen a drop in recent years

[Colr]

Don’t think I’ve ever had a candidate at my door here.

[Skol]

I’ve had leaflets from the Lib Dems tories and snp in the last few weeks I once or twice had a Lib Dem at my door in the past. Don’t ever recall anything from labour.

[Moulin Yarns]

I currently have a Tory, SNP and independent, all seeking re-election. Current council is tory controlled.

The independent will be on my list of votes as I believe party politics should have no place in local government.

[StevieC]

I currently have a Tory, SNP and independent, all seeking re-election. Current council is tory controlled.

The independent will be on my list of votes as I believe party politics should have no place in local government.

It’s only Tory controlled because they are propped up by the LibDems .. and they have done very little while in power .. very lazy according to people I know that work within the council.

You are right about party politics, but unfortunately it is very much a part of it. I’m finding that party politics is being used as the reason why voters won’t vote for a particular candidate (partygate v ferries). I think the numbered voting system does mean that you can incorporate both your party alignment and who you think would be good at the job.

[lucky]

I’ve had 3 Labour, 2 Tories, 1 Lib Dem and 1 SNP leaflets my council ward has 2 SNP, 1 Lab and 1 Tory councillors but the SNP have run 3 candidates in the last two elections and lost out so must be looking to consolidate this time. Labour are a minority administration but supported by the Tories. It’s the reason I’ve not been to a meeting locally in 4 years.

[Scouse Hibee]

I’ve had leaflets from them all, they go straight from the floor into my recycle bin.

[Pretty Boy]

I was stunned to get one of the candidates in my ward knock the door the other night. Stunned because I wasn't aware she knew where this area was given no one has seen her for God knows how long.

I wasn't going to vote but there's a local independent who I quite like so I'll give him a vote. The rest can do one.

[G15 Hibs]

I had the Tories at the door while I was on a work call to an energy supplier discussing the difficulties that increased prices are causing (I work for a third sector organisation dealing with energy). I know it's not a local government issue but it seemed highly ironic.

I'll be voting Green as for local government it's I feel it's particularly necessary to have environmental concerns heard.

[SHODAN]

We've had leaflets from everyone but the Greens, Lib Dems and Alba. Pick of the bunch was an utterly disgusting one from the Scottish Family Party.

[Kato]

I was stunned to get one of the candidates in my ward knock the door the other night. Stunned because I wasn't aware she knew where this area was given no one has seen her for God knows how long.

I wasn't going to vote but there's a local independent who I quite like so I'll give him a vote. The rest can do one.The one (Lib Dem) I had at the door was purely there to knock the SNP Holyrood govt, nothing to do with local issues.

I told him I wouldn't vote for any party in a local election and asked why I should vote for anyone given the shopfront they've all made of the country. He didn't have an answer.

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[Moulin Yarns]

It’s only Tory controlled because they are propped up by the LibDems .. and they have done very little while in power .. very lazy according to people I know that work within the council.

You are right about party politics, but unfortunately it is very much a part of it. I’m finding that party politics is being used as the reason why voters won’t vote for a particular candidate (partygate v ferries). I think the numbered voting system does mean that you can incorporate both your party alignment and who you think would be good at the job.

Up here there is a house right next door to the polling station that has had snp banners every election for as long as I can remember. This year it has snp banners and a banner for the independent candidate. Really good to see him get the support.

[LewysGot2]

We've had one leaflet- Greens. One phone call - Labour. Nothing from anyone else.

At a local level, it would be great to have the kind of field seen in places like Orkney where independent candidates are commonplace and local needs and issues are to the fore. A friend has moved there in the last year and is genuinely excited at having a choice that seems meaningful for once. I'm a bit jealous

[Berwickhibby]

Had the SNP canvasser knocking my door, the same guy called me a traitor previously for not backing independence a few years back. Took great pleasure telling him to “Get the F*** of my property before I set my dog on you” . :greengrin

[Just Alf]

Had the SNP canvasser knocking my door, the same guy called me a traitor previously for not backing independence a few years back. Took great pleasure telling him to “Get the F*** of my property before I set my dog on you” . :greengrinReap what you sow! ... hope you got to tell him why he was getting emptied!

[Santa Cruz]

Thinking this may be a higher than usual turnout today. My Daughter's been canvassing and bar a couple of households, most people were happy to engage in a positive way.

[Northernhibee]

We've had leaflets from everyone but the Greens, Lib Dems and Alba. Pick of the bunch was an utterly disgusting one from the Scottish Family Party.

They're a horrendous bunch of ****. The more you read of them the worse they get.

SNP second option for me today but first option went to a Scottish Labour candidate - an old Uni lecturer of mine who has done a lot of good for the poorer communities here and also did a lot for students, workers and unions in his time. Knowing the mindset he has to helping people I couldn't vote elsewhere in this occasion.

[grunt]

Took great pleasure telling him to “Get the F*** of my property before I set my dog on you” . :greengrin
Nice.

[Pretty Boy]

A quick glance on Twitter today saw 3 parties all asking me to vote for them to send a message nationally.

Not what local elections should be all about and I don't want my vote, even if it's nothing in the grand scheme of things, being used as evidence of tacit approval for any of the major parties on a national level. The single independent in my ward will get a vote and that's it.

[Berwickhibby]

Nice.

It was :aok:

[hibsbollah]

I'll be voting on national issues, as usual.
Which makes you wonder what the point of local elections are.
It might be better to have a load of non political technocrats standing, who are good at basically getting stuff done.

[Mon Dieu4]

Thinking this may be a higher than usual turnout today. My Daughter's been canvassing and bar a couple of households, most people were happy to engage in a positive way.

I was the only person in my polling station at 8.30 this morning, didn't look too busy, normally there are other people coming and going

[ballengeich]

There has been virtually nothing about local issues round me and I haven't seen a canvasser. However, there is a proposal to build an expensive unnecessary new road virtually outside my back garden so I placed a candidate who has been vocal about opposing this first.

[Sergio sledge]

I'll be voting on national issues, as usual.
Which makes you wonder what the point of local elections are.
It might be better to have a load of non political technocrats standing, who are good at basically getting stuff done.

We're pretty fortunate where we are to have 3 independent candidates on our ballot paper who all seem pretty switched on and well attuned to the issues affecting us in this area.

Happily I was able to rank them 1, 2 and 3 and avoid voting for a political party as seems to be seeping into the council elections.

Sadly, I noticed on each of these independent candidates' announcements online that they were standing, the first responses were, "what is your view on independence for Scotland?" For me that's not what local council elections are about and I don't see why people would be electing a councillor based on their view on national issues when the only things they can have an impact on are local issues.

[hibsbollah]

We're pretty fortunate where we are to have 3 independent candidates on our ballot paper who all seem pretty switched on and well attuned to the issues affecting us in this area.

Happily I was able to rank them 1, 2 and 3 and avoid voting for a political party as seems to be seeping into the council elections.

Sadly, I noticed on each of these independent candidates' announcements online that they were standing, the first responses were, "what is your view on independence for Scotland?" For me that's not what local council elections are about and I don't see why people would be electing a councillor based on their view on national issues when the only things they can have an impact on are local issues.

You're right, their position on independence shouldn't matter a jot.

There was an electionfor reps of my trade union last week, each candidate was given a platform to put their platform to the members, limited to a certain word count. It was clear, simple and accountable. Of course different candidates had different political perspectives and priorities, but it felt like purer representation of what democracy is supposed to do than when the party system comes into play.

[Just Alf]

It was :aok:When you.mentioned why I quite agree! .... I just hope you got the chance to tell them :greengrin

[JeMeSouviens]

We're pretty fortunate where we are to have 3 independent candidates on our ballot paper who all seem pretty switched on and well attuned to the issues affecting us in this area.

Happily I was able to rank them 1, 2 and 3 and avoid voting for a political party as seems to be seeping into the council elections.

Sadly, I noticed on each of these independent candidates' announcements online that they were standing, the first responses were, "what is your view on independence for Scotland?" For me that's not what local council elections are about and I don't see why people would be electing a councillor based on their view on national issues when the only things they can have an impact on are local issues.

Conversely, I moved house last year and my new ward has a couple of independents I don't know and who didn't send any leaflets or anything, so they didn't get a ranking from me. :dunno: I went:

1. SNP
2. Green
3. Labour
4. Lib

and stopped there so there's no chance of my vote transferring to Salmond's ego or the ******* Tories.

[JeMeSouviens]

You're right, their position on independence shouldn't matter a jot.

There was an electionfor reps of my trade union last week, each candidate was given a platform to put their platform to the members, limited to a certain word count. It was clear, simple and accountable. Of course different candidates had different political perspectives and priorities, but it felt like purer representation of what democracy is supposed to do than when the party system comes into play.

Views on indy could conceivably matter if the SG tries to hold a non-agreed with UKG indyref2 and it's up to councils to decide whether to participate in the actual vote organisation. Unlikely but possible.

[Moulin Yarns]

Conversely, I moved house last year and my new ward has a couple of independents I don't know and who didn't send any leaflets or anything, so they didn't get a ranking from me. :dunno: I went:

1. SNP
2. Green
3. Labour
4. Lib

and stopped there so there's no chance of my vote transferring to Salmond's ego or the ******* Tories.

I was the opposite, the only leaflet and person to come to the door was the independent candidate.


1 Green
2 independent
3 snp
4 snp

I didn't give the other 4 candidates a vote.

[Onceinawhile]

Was the only person in when I went at ten to 2.

Usually vote snp/green, but the current Labour Councillor really helped us over the lockdown regarding my son's speech and language school staying open, so he got the vote this time.

[JeMeSouviens]

I was the opposite, the only leaflet and person to come to the door was the independent candidate.


1 Green
2 independent
3 snp
4 snp

I didn't give the other 4 candidates a vote.

If you have any preference for one of the 4 others (say just for talking's sake, the one with the blue rosette) it's worth keeping going. Your vote can't transfer to a lower ranked candidate until your higher ranked candidates have been elected or eliminated. So you can prefer red over blue with no detriment to green or yellow.*

Vote till you boak.






* colours selected entirely at random for example purposes.

[Hibernian Verse]

* colours selected entirely at random for example purposes.

Sure :greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

If you have any preference for one of the 4 others (say just for talking's sake, the one with the blue rosette) it's worth keeping going. Your vote can't transfer to a lower ranked candidate until your higher ranked candidates have been elected or eliminated. So you can prefer red over blue with no detriment to green or yellow.*

Vote till you boak.






* colours selected entirely at random for example purposes.

I guess I could have voted orange, then red, to keep the two blues at a disadvantage. I know that the orange and red have a snowballs chance in hell of being elected here :wink:

I saw the front page of the National and didn't realise that was what it meant. :greengrin

[Sir David Gray]

I can't/won't vote SNP, Green or Conservative so that narrows down my choices quite significantly.

I prefer to vote for independent candidates but one of them in my area is a far right individual who I couldn't possibly vote for so I gave my first two votes to the other two independent candidates and third and fourth to a Liberal Democrat and then a Labour candidate.

[Stick]

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the STV voting system. If you can be bothered reading the full explanation of how it works, not only will your head explode but you will understand that the vote till you boak advice doesn’t mean that you should rate ALL the candidates.
If you are pro indie then you should rank the pro indie leaning candidates then stop, don’t continue to rank the anti indie candidates. So in my area it would be snp 1, snp 2, green 3. If there was an indie leaning independant candidate or an Alba they would get 4, and 5.
If you stop as soon as your preferred candidates are finished then any remaining votes are exhausted (voided). If you rank all the candidates then you risk your unused votes filtering down to a Tory.
This is exactly why the unionist parties are advising to only vote for them and not to continue down the list.
I understand that a good local candidate is important, but party politics do come into it I’m afraid. For instance in Perth and Kinross last week the controling Tory council, backed by the Lib Dem’s, voted to sell the council offices to a hotel chain for £1. Not 1 million just 1. Despite in 2015 spending £10million on refurbishing the offices. They rushed the vote thru despite protests from snp and labour to ensure that if they lost overall control after today it would be to late.
So local councils are affected by party politics.
If it were up to me it wouldn’t be allowed, independant councilors only, but alliances would still be forged.

[JeMeSouviens]

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the STV voting system. If you can be bothered reading the full explanation of how it works, not only will your head explode but you will understand that the vote till you boak advice doesn’t mean that you should rate ALL the candidates.
If you are pro indie then you should rank the pro indie leaning candidates then stop, don’t continue to rank the anti indie candidates. So in my area it would be snp 1, snp 2, green 3. If there was an indie leaning independant candidate or an Alba they would get 4, and 5.
If you stop as soon as your preferred candidates are finished then any remaining votes are exhausted (voided). If you rank all the candidates then you risk your unused votes filtering down to a Tory.
This is exactly why the unionist parties are advising to only vote for them and not to continue down the list.
I understand that a good local candidate is important, but party politics do come into it I’m afraid. For instance in Perth and Kinross last week the controling Tory council, backed by the Lib Dem’s, voted to sell the council offices to a hotel chain for £1. Not 1 million just 1. Despite in 2015 spending £10million on refurbishing the offices. They rushed the vote thru despite protests from snp and labour to ensure that if they lost overall control after today it would be to late.
So local councils are affected by party politics.
If it were up to me it wouldn’t be allowed, independant councilors only, but alliances would still be forged.

Indeed, it means rank all the ones you can stomach getting elected then stop when you boak.

I'm pro-indy but would always prefer a Lab unionist to a Tory one. And I'm not pro-indy enough to vote for the Alex Salmond ego-project, even as a 5th or 6th pref, the sooner they disappear altogether the better.

[The dalmeny]

Get the impression the family party are bams

[stu in nottingham]

I haven't had a single leaflet or flyer here, nor have there been any doorstep visits...and the deputy leader of the local Labour council lives just three doors away...

[hibsbollah]

Views on indy could conceivably matter if the SG tries to hold a non-agreed with UKG indyref2 and it's up to councils to decide whether to participate in the actual vote organisation. Unlikely but possible.

I suppose that’s true :agree: it’s very much far down the list of things councilors will be concerning themselves with day to day though.

[Smartie]

This has completely passed me by.

[Moulin Yarns]

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the STV voting system. If you can be bothered reading the full explanation of how it works, not only will your head explode but you will understand that the vote till you boak advice doesn’t mean that you should rate ALL the candidates.
If you are pro indie then you should rank the pro indie leaning candidates then stop, don’t continue to rank the anti indie candidates. So in my area it would be snp 1, snp 2, green 3. If there was an indie leaning independant candidate or an Alba they would get 4, and 5.
If you stop as soon as your preferred candidates are finished then any remaining votes are exhausted (voided). If you rank all the candidates then you risk your unused votes filtering down to a Tory.
This is exactly why the unionist parties are advising to only vote for them and not to continue down the list.
I understand that a good local candidate is important, but party politics do come into it I’m afraid. For instance in Perth and Kinross last week the controling Tory council, backed by the Lib Dem’s, voted to sell the council offices to a hotel chain for £1. Not 1 million just 1. Despite in 2015 spending £10million on refurbishing the offices. They rushed the vote thru despite protests from snp and labour to ensure that if they lost overall control after today it would be to late.
So local councils are affected by party politics.
If it were up to me it wouldn’t be allowed, independant councilors only, but alliances would still be forged.

I live in Perth and Kinross and I've not heard anything about the sale of the property. I assume that it's 3 to 5 high Street. Any links?


https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/former-perth-kinross-council-building-26825706


Found it. The council will lease the former office to the developer, and it's not the same building that was renovated in 2015. I used to work in the building that is to be converted, can't say it will be easy.

[Stick]

I live in Perth and Kinross and I've not heard anything about the sale of the property. I assume that it's 3 to 5 high Street. Any links?


https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/former-perth-kinross-council-building-26825706


Found it. The council will lease the former office to the developer, and it's not the same building that was renovated in 2015. I used to work in the building that is to be converted, can't say it will be easy.

Ok, but the council are giving a grant of £1.9 to the company to assist with renovation work, whilst continuing to lease Pullar House for £2.5 million a year. Doesn’t feel good as a rate payer. Also why rush it through before the council elections? Not happy.

[Moulin Yarns]

Ok, but the council are giving a grant of £1.9 to the company to assist with renovation work, whilst continuing to lease Pullar House for £2.5 million a year. Doesn’t feel good as a rate payer. Also why rush it through before the council elections? Not happy.

I am fairly sure that the pullar house lease is to 2025, I moved into it in 2010. With the current working from home I suspect that the lease won't be renewed, now that would be a decent hotel premises.

[Jones28]

Saw a tweet that said Westminster could fall to Labour. That would be interesting.

[CropleyWasGod]

Given the voting system, how long will it be before we get the results?

[Radium]

Given the voting system, how long will it be before we get the results?

… counts are on Friday.


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[CropleyWasGod]

… counts are on Friday.


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Ta

[Santa Cruz]

Given the voting system, how long will it be before we get the results?

roughly tea time tomorrow.

[Ozyhibby]

Would expect the Greens to do well in Scotland. Now that the are so closely aligned with Indy vote they will likely be a lot of peoples 2nd choice.


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[heretoday]

Saw a tweet that said Westminster could fall to Labour. That would be interesting.

Maybe they'll remove the drinks license from the Houses of Parliament.

[hibsbollah]

Saw a tweet that said Westminster could fall to Labour. That would be interesting.

It just has :agree:

It seems like a decent night from Labour at consolidating where they’re doing better post Brexit, in the cities and with the uni educated, but still struggling in the red wall, lost Hull for example.

[Pretty Boy]

It just has :agree:

It seems like a decent night from Labour at consolidating where they’re doing better post Brexit, in the cities and with the uni educated, but still struggling in the red wall, lost Hull for example.

My initial reaction, and I admit I have only glanced at the results, is it was a pretty poor night for Labour if the aim of Starmer is to take votes from Tories.

As expected the Tories have lost a load of seats, however it seems the majority thus far have not gone to Labour. The Greens and Lib Dems look like they should be most happy thus far. I'm pleased about the former, less so the latter.

[Bostonhibby]

My initial reaction, and I admit I have only glanced at the results, is it was a pretty poor night for Labour if the aim of Starmer is to take votes from Tories.

As expected the Tories have lost a load of seats, however it seems the majority thus far have not gone to Labour. The Greens and Lib Dems look like they should be most happy thus far. I'm pleased about the former, less so the latter.I agree, I'd like to be a lot more positive but the wild card in all of this at a national level is Ed Davey might fancy playing Nasty party minister again and has the potential to go Nasty again in a hung parliament.
They've proven that Liberal they ain't, opportunistic they undoubtedly are when they got into bed with Call me Dave.

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[Moulin Yarns]

Given the voting system, how long will it be before we get the results?

First one, probably Orkney, around 11, last one about 4 if last time is anything to go on.

[Moulin Yarns]

I don't know how much we can read into the results in England because

1. Not all councils are having elections, and

2. Not all seats in the councils are being voted for.


My sister in law is in Wakefield metropolitan burgh where only 21 out of 63 seats are up for grabs.

Weird way to do it.

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/larryandpaul/status/1522244451330142211?s=21&t=2U--zOnrDXwftnUrf0WItA

Thought this was funny but not worth a new thread so put it here.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220506/3adc7c659909ae157ef13cc2a6e5898d.jpg

Scottish Tories could be in for a very rough Friday.


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[CropleyWasGod]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220506/3adc7c659909ae157ef13cc2a6e5898d.jpg

Scottish Tories could be in for a very rough Friday.


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What does "nc" mean?

Serious replies only 😆

[overdrive]

I can't/won't vote SNP, Green or Conservative so that narrows down my choices quite significantly.

I prefer to vote for independent candidates but one of them in my area is a far right individual who I couldn't possibly vote for so I gave my first two votes to the other two independent candidates and third and fourth to a Liberal Democrat and then a Labour candidate.

I’m the same in terms of your first paragraph.

I went:

1. Labour
2. Lib Dem 1
3. Lib Dem 2
4. Scottish Libertarian Party

I regret that fourth one now. I voted for him because he was running on a stop council vanity projects stance. However, reading afterwards more generally about the party, they are both pro Brexit and pro Scottish Independence and also support privatising healthcare. Wish I’d done more research rather than just reading what the candidate had to say.

Edit: think the area I’ve moved to is pretty strong Lib Dem, probably why they seemed to be the only party fielding multiple candidates.

[Ozyhibby]

What does "nc" mean?

Serious replies only [emoji38]

No change.


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[Moulin Yarns]

What does "nc" mean?

Serious replies only 😆

I presume no change.

[Santa Cruz]

I presume no change.

It could be no overall control?

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220506/66844627596f93ff0c1ee65af7de145b.jpg
SNP win at the expense of the Tories.[emoji122][emoji106]


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[Moulin Yarns]

It could be no overall control?

That was just one ward not the whole council.

[Santa Cruz]

That was just one ward not the whole council.

:aok:

[heretoday]

Well after all this I hope they start emptying the bins and clearing up the streets a bit better though I doubt it.

These elections have been taken over by national issues, whipped up by the appalling media that we have.

[Moulin Yarns]

Results for individual wards coming thick and fast. @ballotboxscot the place for updates

[Ozyhibby]

Results for individual wards coming thick and fast. @ballotboxscot the place for updates

So far it looks like the public are holding Douglas Ross responsible for these late boats. Rightly so.[emoji106]


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[stokesmessiah]

Is anyone watching the BBC coverage right now?

[JeMeSouviens]

Result in my ward: 1 SNP, 1 Green, 1 LD

That'll do for me. :aok:

[Scorrie]

I still can’t believe the Conservatives represent Shettleston. But seeing a picture of their candidate with his Rangers tie on explains it a lot

[Lendo]

I still can’t believe the Conservatives represent Shettleston. But seeing a picture of their candidate with his Rangers tie on explains it a lot

It amazing how quickly they forget what the Tory’s done to that area.

[Scorrie]

It amazing how quickly they forget what the Tory’s done to that area.

Absolutely. They’re just voting unionist now.

[ronaldo7]

Pollokshields just booted out the Tory. They've had a seat there for years. Green, 2x SNP, Labour.

Some of the turnouts are looking decent.

[ronaldo7]

Strathmore (Perth and Kinross) 1st prefs:

SNP: 39.1% (+8.3)
Con: 32.6% (-9.3)
Stewart (Ind): 18.7% (New)
LD: 9.5% (-10)
2017 non-returns: 0% (-7.8)

Elected: 2 SNP, Con, Ind (+1 SNP, +1 Ind, -1 Con, -1 LD)

Turnout: 54.7% #BBSLE22 ^JB

The Tories are getting pumped. :aok:

[Moulin Yarns]

Strathmore (Perth and Kinross) 1st prefs:

SNP: 39.1% (+8.3)
Con: 32.6% (-9.3)
Stewart (Ind): 18.7% (New)
LD: 9.5% (-10)
2017 non-returns: 0% (-7.8)

Elected: 2 SNP, Con, Ind (+1 SNP, +1 Ind, -1 Con, -1 LD)

Turnout: 54.7% #BBSLE22 ^JB

The Tories are getting pumped. :aok:

The independent is a former tory Councillor.

[Moulin Yarns]

Highland candidates awaiting today’s result. Elected were:
John Duff - Conservative
Xander McDade - Independent
Mike Williamson - SNP

#SLG22Result https://t.co/bl2OxNoD5t

No change in my ward

[ronaldo7]

The independent is a former tory Councillor.

:rolleyes: It's been happening all over. They just can't say they're Tories anymore. :wink:

[Moulin Yarns]

:rolleyes: It's been happening all over. They just can't say they're Tories anymore. :wink:

He is also a car dealer 😉



Well, director of the VW, Audi and Volvo dealers in Perth.

[Geo_1875]

:rolleyes: It's been happening all over. They just can't say they're Tories anymore. :wink:

Many are "suspended" from their party (usually Tory) for indiscretions if one kind or another. Others realise that calling themselves Tories reduces their chance of being elected
.

[Moulin Yarns]

British Unionist Party takes a seat from tories in North Lanarkshire 😂😂😂


Chris McEleny lost his seat for Alba. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Ozyhibby]

British Unionist Party takes a seat from tories in North Lanarkshire [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


Chris McEleny lost his seat for Alba. [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

Alba getting wiped out.[emoji122][emoji106]


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[ronaldo7]

Greens now have a councillor in both North and South Lanarkshire. Fantastic result for them.

[Ozyhibby]

If I’m a Tory MP down south then I’d be thinking that getting rid of Johnson would likely result in another general election win. There is not much sign that Labour are ready to challenge them yet.
New leader, party gate behind them and they likely win again.


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[Moulin Yarns]

The result we have all been waiting for.




Strathallan (ward seven) result.

Elected:
Keith Allan - Conservative
Steven Carr - SNP
Crawford Reid - Conservative

#SLG22Result https://t.co/9XXixYq22R


Well done StevieC 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[Pretty Boy]

If I’m a Tory MP down south then I’d be thinking that getting rid of Johnson would likely result in another general election win. There is not much sign that Labour are ready to challenge them yet.
New leader, party gate behind them and they likely win again.


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Yep, it's looking like an increasingly poor evening for Labour.

Support consolidated where it already existed but they certainly aren't taking scores of votes from the Tories as we were promised Starmer's lurch to the right would do and they still look out of touch with what was a previous core support. They simply aren't going to win elections with a support base centered inside London and on university campuses (last point exaggerated for effect obviously).

[Stick]

The result we have all been waiting for.




Strathallan (ward seven) result.

Elected:
Keith Allan - Conservative
Steven Carr - SNP
Crawford Reid - Conservative

#SLG22Result https://t.co/9XXixYq22R


Well done StevieC 👏👏👏👏👏👏

Well done indeed

[Moulin Yarns]

Yep, it's looking like an increasingly poor evening for Labour.

Support consolidated where it already existed but they certainly aren't taking scores of votes from the Tories as we were promised Starmer's lurch to the right would do and they still look out of touch with what was a previous core support. They simply aren't going to win elections with a support base centered inside London and on university campuses (last point exaggerated for effect obviously).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61347764

Prof Curtice tells us what it means. 🤔


Tories have lost 20% of the seats they are defending so far.

[GlesgaeHibby]

If I’m a Tory MP down south then I’d be thinking that getting rid of Johnson would likely result in another general election win. There is not much sign that Labour are ready to challenge them yet.
New leader, party gate behind them and they likely win again.


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The Tories will argue that Labour are a party serving the interests of London, and remainers - and that will continue to help them in red wall areas where 60-70% of folk voted leave.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220506/48e656fbc05d22a12ba778020c810ea9.jpg
Edinburgh Council make up so far. Maybe an SNP/Green minority coalition?


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[ronaldo7]

It looks like an SNP majority in Dundee.

[JeMeSouviens]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSFICWGWQAEvkAZ?format=jpg&name=large

Tories getting a shoeing. :na na:

[JeMeSouviens]

Roza Salih @RozaSalih
As a kid I came to #Glasgow as a refugee. Now elected to its city council to represent this wonderful city that I love so dearly. If you told me 20 years ago I would be a councillor I would not have believed you. Thank you ❤️

I’m proud of my background #RefugeesWelcome #SNP

More power to her.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

The independent is a former tory Councillor.


His politics are to the right of Boris. Hard line Brexiteer.

[Moulin Yarns]

More power to her.

One of the Glasgow Girls. :thumbsup:

[Moulin Yarns]

Murray Ross taking a positive from the elections on the BBC.


"SNP are going backwards in Aberdeenshire"

Fact: SNP (after 52 of 70 seats) 16 seats so far compared to 18 last election.

Cons 19 so far compared to 22 last time

Gains so far for Cons +3, Libdems +1

Losses so far IND -3 Greens -1

Murray Ross is a farmer graspping straws!!

[Mon Dieu4]

Looks like Leith Walk has no Tories yet again, YLT ya bas

[JeMeSouviens]

Ian Swanson @ianswansonen
All Edinburgh results now in - new council will be SNP 19, Labour 13, Lib Dems 12, Greens 10, Tories 9. #LocalElections2022

Tories the 5th party in Edinburgh. :greengrin

[McSwanky]

Bit of a scandal in the Musselburgh ward as a Labour candidate who had party support pulled earlier in the week due to inappropriate historical social media activity has been elected.

He still appeared as Labour on the ballot papers, so will have picked up a lot of votes based on that, especially from postal voters who will have voted before the revelations became known.

Surely he has to stand down.

[SHODAN]

So basically the Red Tory loan vote to the actual Tories has been rescinded. Fair enough.

[ronaldo7]

Bit of a scandal in the Musselburgh ward as a Labour candidate who had party support pulled earlier in the week due to inappropriate historical social media activity has been elected.

He still appeared as Labour on the ballot papers, so will have picked up a lot of votes based on that, especially from postal voters who will have voted before the revelations became known.

Surely he has to stand down.

Not sure he'll stand down, but surely, Anas has to take some action, not holding my breath though.

[Ozyhibby]

Not sure he'll stand down, but surely, Anas has to take some action, not holding my breath though.

Not sure how it works with councils but likely there will be nothing Labour can do about it.


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[ronaldo7]

Not sure how it works with councils but likely there will be nothing Labour can do about it.


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They couldn't remove him from the ballot, and had said he'll have to stand as an independent, so fair play to the local party. That vetting process hits the headlines again though.

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220506/f4a7fb1668262a3abf69bf384551750c.jpg

SNP biggest winner on the night. People clearly trust them despite hysteria over late boats.


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[Bostonhibby]

Murray Ross taking a positive from the elections on the BBC.


"SNP are going backwards in Aberdeenshire"

Fact: SNP (after 52 of 70 seats) 16 seats so far compared to 18 last election.

Cons 19 so far compared to 22 last time

Gains so far for Cons +3, Libdems +1

Losses so far IND -3 Greens -1

Murray Ross is a farmer graspping straws!!If I was in charge of the Nasty party I'd put that Dougal Ross guy in as governor of Scotland. Murray is out his depth.

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[Stairway 2 7]

Anyone know turn out estimates

[Colr]

The Tories will argue that Labour are a party serving the interests of London, and remainers - and that will continue to help them in red wall areas where 60-70% of folk voted leave.

These northern Tories walking their pedigree whippets, smoke Sobriane and wearing Lock & Co flatcaps.

[Pretty Boy]

A solid result for an incumbent government. Think the SNP will be pretty happy.

Looking at the figures briefly it looks like Labour had a good night in Glasgow, not so good elsewhere.

[hibsbollah]

These northern Tories walking their pedigree whippets, smoke Sobriane and wearing Lock & Co flatcaps.

In England, The results in the red wall councils are terrible for Starmer. Newcastle under Lyme in the potteries, the most working class place you can imagine. I have family there, it’s a grim place. The Tories won the parliamentary seat in 2019 for the first time in 100 years. The council also went Tory. Last nights vote was supposed to be a good bell weather. The result? The Tories actually gained two extra councilors there. The Corbyn factor was a cheap excuse, they like Starmer no better. This is being replicated across old industrial areas . It’s basically what went on with Trump winning over rust belt America five years ago. Brexit the xenophobic fly in the ointment. Very very worrying.

[LewysGot2]

Hibs Kids etc Willie McEwan elected for Midlothian council in Penicuik ward.
Dnipro Kids Stevie Carr elected to Perth and Kinross.

[Pretty Boy]

Hibs Kids etc Willie McEwan elected for Midlothian council in Penicuik ward.
Dnipro Kids Stevie Carr elected to Perth and Kinross.

Willie must be a good age now. I remember taking my Grandad to his 60th birthday party and that wasn't yesterday.

A good guy and a big Labour man.

[The Tubs]

In England, The results in the red wall councils are terrible for Starmer. Newcastle under Lyme in the potteries, the most working class place you can imagine. I have family there, it’s a grim place. The Tories won the parliamentary seat in 2019 for the first time in 100 years. The council also went Tory. Last nights vote was supposed to be a good bell weather. The result? The Tories actually gained two extra councilors there. The Corbyn factor was a cheap excuse, they like Starmer no better. This is being replicated across old industrial areas . It’s basically what went on with Trump winning over rust belt America five years ago. Brexit the xenophobic fly in the ointment. Very very worrying.

Whenever I read things like this, it just reminds me why we need out of the union pronto.

[Stairway 2 7]

Ian Jones
@ian_a_jones
·
35m
After full results from 195 of the 200 councils holding elections, the net change in seats is:
Con -397
Lab +252
Lib Dems +189
Green +81
SNP +62
PC -3
Ind -215
Others -17

[StevieC]

Disappointed that myself and my running partner never flipped the balance in Strathallan, but it was always a huge ask in the Tory stronghold around Gleneagles.

It is going to be a tough gig sharing the ward with 2 Tory councillors, but I did help substantially increase the vote share and knock the incumbent Tory councillor into 3rd place.

[Northernhibee]

Whenever I read things like this, it just reminds me why we need out of the union pronto.

Yep. Many people down south are actively approving of people being forced to foodbanks and the destruction of our NHS.

I’d rather Scotland had nothing to do with people who hold such extreme views.

[Ozyhibby]

Disappointed that myself and my running partner never flipped the balance in Strathallan, but it was always a huge ask in the Tory stronghold around Gleneagles.

It is going to be a tough gig sharing the ward with 2 Tory councillors, but I did help substantially increase the vote share and knock the incumbent Tory councillor into 3rd place.

Congratulations Steve. I imagine it must feel pretty daunting right now but I’m sure you’ll smash it.[emoji106]


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[Jones28]

Disappointed that myself and my running partner never flipped the balance in Strathallan, but it was always a huge ask in the Tory stronghold around Gleneagles.

It is going to be a tough gig sharing the ward with 2 Tory councillors, but I did help substantially increase the vote share and knock the incumbent Tory councillor into 3rd place.

Well done Stevie, the least you deserve after your efforts with Dnipro Kids.

[ronaldo7]

Disappointed that myself and my running partner never flipped the balance in Strathallan, but it was always a huge ask in the Tory stronghold around Gleneagles.

It is going to be a tough gig sharing the ward with 2 Tory councillors, but I did help substantially increase the vote share and knock the incumbent Tory councillor into 3rd place.

Well done Stevie. The hard work begins. 👍

[Stick]

Disappointed that myself and my running partner never flipped the balance in Strathallan, but it was always a huge ask in the Tory stronghold around Gleneagles.

It is going to be a tough gig sharing the ward with 2 Tory councillors, but I did help substantially increase the vote share and knock the incumbent Tory councillor into 3rd place.

So, what have you done about the bloody roads then Steve?😁

[StevieC]

So, what have you done about the bloody roads then Steve?😁

Driven up and down them every day over the last 4 weeks of campaigning 😉

[Stairway 2 7]

Driven up and down them every day over the last 4 weeks of campaigning 😉

Different class, well done

[Stick]

Driven up and down them every day over the last 4 weeks of campaigning 😉

So not concerned about global warming then huh. What’s the matter with using roller skates?:na na:

[Moulin Yarns]

So not concerned about global warming then huh. What’s the matter with using roller skates?:na na:

Don't think I'd want to roller skate up Cairnie Brae. 😂

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/bbcphilipsim/status/1523221037927731201?s=21&t=iIGQHDy__0a6-eMD7OaaIw

Interesting thread on the local elections in Scotland.


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[ronaldo7]

I suppose we better put up the final results of the local elections in case someone comes along at a later date to tell us that the second placed party actually won the race. :wink:


Scot 453 Councillors up 22
Lab 282 Councillors up 20
Con 214 Councillors down 63
Ind 152 Councillors down 15
Lib 87 Councillors up 20
Green 35 Councillors up 16
VAC 3 Councillors

[Moulin Yarns]

I suppose we better put up the final results of the local elections in case someone comes along at a later date to tell us that the second placed party actually won the race. :wink:


Scot 453 Councillors up 22
Lab 282 Councillors up 20
Con 214 Councillors down 63
Ind 152 Councillors down 15
Lib 87 Councillors up 20
Green 35 Councillors up 16
VAC 3 Councillors

Didn't the British Unionist Party win a seat in Lancashire somewhere???

[ronaldo7]

Didn't the British Unionist Party win a seat in Lancashire somewhere???

I think they did. I just took the figures from the BBC(silly me). They've probably just lumped them in with the Independents, or the Labour party. :wink:

North Lanarkshire. :aok:

[Moulin Yarns]

I think they did. I just took the figures from the BBC(silly me). They've probably just lumped them in with the Independents, or the Labour party. :wink:

North Lanarkshire. :aok:

Blooming predictive text 😂😂😂

[JimBHibees]

Are there any rules around the protocol of parties working with each other in an area to get a majority E.g I would have thought that the party with most seats in an area should get first opportunity to agree a coalition then and only then they couldn't agree then other parties have an opportunity to get majority. Are there rules?

[StevieC]

Are there any rules around the protocol of parties working with each other in an area to get a majority E.g I would have thought that the party with most seats in an area should get first opportunity to agree a coalition then and only then they couldn't agree then other parties have an opportunity to get majority. Are there rules?

I’m discovering it’s more of an etiquette than a specific rule 🙄

[StevieC]

I’m discovering it’s more of an etiquette than a specific rule 🙄

After negotiations..

Perth and Kinross will be changing from a Tory led LibDem coalition administration to an SNP minority administration.

[JimBHibees]

I’m discovering it’s more of an etiquette than a specific rule 🙄

Interesting would have thought there would be rules given it appears to happen a lot especially since Proportional representation came in local council elections

[Ozyhibby]

Should find out today if Edinburgh gets an SNP/Green coalition or a Better Together coalition.
Vote Labour get Tory will be the SNP’s slogan for next election I think.


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[danhibees1875]

Should find out today if Edinburgh gets an SNP/Green coalition or a Better Together coalition.
Vote Labour get Tory will be the SNP’s slogan for next election I think.


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Is the alternative option not a Labour minority administration rather than a BT coalition?

[Ozyhibby]

Is the alternative option not a Labour minority administration rather than a BT coalition?

That can only happen with the support of the Tories and Lib Dems.


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[Since90+2]

I don't think anybody can say Edinburgh Council has been well run the last few years.

Local politics should be separated from national politics, I don't think a Labour/Tory/Lib Dem coalition could possibly be any worse run than the state of EC the last few years.

[Ozyhibby]

I don't think anybody can say Edinburgh Council has been well run the last few years.

Local politics should be separated from national politics, I don't think a Labour/Tory/Lib Dem coalition could possibly be any worse run than the state of EC the last few years.

What was badly run by Edinburgh Council in the last 5 years?


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[Since90+2]

What was badly run by Edinburgh Council in the last 5 years?


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Do you drive?

[Ozyhibby]

Do you drive?

Yes, but roadworks are a feature of every city in the UK. I don’t think Edinburgh is any worse than any other big city. There isn’t a driver in Britain that doesn’t say their council is the worst when it comes to road maintenance.


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[Since90+2]

Yes, but roadworks are a feature of every city in the UK. I don’t think Edinburgh is any worse than any other big city. There isn’t a driver in Britain that doesn’t say their council is the worst when it comes to road maintenance.


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For 4 years running to 2021 Edinburgh has had the worst road congestion of any city in the whole of the UK, so yes, they are worse than literally every other city in the country.

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/council/edinburgh-council-labour-row-as-deal-to-run-council-gives-jobs-to-tories-3707852

Labour deal gives jobs to the Tories. [emoji35]


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[Glory Lurker]

Will this see the union jack run up above city chambers? Would be a shame.

[Just_Jimmy]

Yes, but roadworks are a feature of every city in the UK. I don’t think Edinburgh is any worse than any other big city. There isn’t a driver in Britain that doesn’t say their council is the worst when it comes to road maintenance.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI don't know, I drive in Manchester regularly and the surrounding areas. I drive in Leeds, Warrington, St Helens and Liverpool. I also to my utter dread, sometimes drive in Edinburgh and although they're all bad, Edinburgh is by far the worst because its just a complete and utter shambles in terms of planning and organisation.

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[Since90+2]

I don't know, I drive in Manchester regularly and the surrounding areas. I drive in Leeds, Warrington, St Helens and Liverpool. I also to my utter dread, sometimes drive in Edinburgh and although they're all bad, Edinburgh is by far the worst because its just a complete and utter shambles in terms of planning and organisation.

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As I posted earlier Edinburgh has the worst congestion in the UK and has for years, the fact it's even worse than London is scandalous. That's a major failing of the SNP lead EC the last few years.

[Ozyhibby]

As I posted earlier Edinburgh has the worst congestion in the UK and has for years, the fact it's even worse than London is scandalous. That's a major failing of the SNP lead EC the last few years.

Should see massive improvements now that the Tories are taking over.[emoji106]


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[Since90+2]

Should see massive improvements now that the Tories are taking over.[emoji106]


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Let's hope so, I'd like to see my local council improving the conditions of the city for its inhabitants.

I really don't care if they are Tory/SNP/Labour or whatever, I get the impression though that some people will be hoping the Tories do as badly as the SNP have done in running EC as a point scoring excercise.

[StevieC]

SNP take administration from the Tories in Perth and Kinross.

Immediately announce £104k to the school activities and food initiative for school holidays and £600k towards cost of living poverty in the private rentals sector.

[The Harp Awakes]

SNP take administration from the Tories in Perth and Kinross.

Immediately announce £104k to the school activities and food initiative for school holidays and £600k towards cost of living poverty in the private rentals sector.

P&K is a council area of big contrasts. A lot of very rich folk and a lot of working poor. Will be great to see policies more focused on those who need help in the area.

By the way, is Murdo Fraser back from Seville yet? Would be good to ask him how the Queen's 11 did in the Europa Final :greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

P&K is a council area of big contrasts. A lot of very rich folk and a lot of working poor. Will be great to see policies more focused on those who need help in the area.

By the way, is Murdo Fraser back from Seville yet? Would be good to ask him how the Queen's 11 did in the Europa Final :greengrin

Even in 'affluent' areas like pitlochry there is a foodbank.

[Moulin Yarns]

SNP take administration from the Tories in Perth and Kinross.

Immediately announce £104k to the school activities and food initiative for school holidays and £600k towards cost of living poverty in the private rentals sector.

Can I ask what committees you are on?

Ignore that, I have seen the committees. But an independent as provost?! Actually I think having him on board is a good idea.

[grunt]

Let's hope so, I'd like to see my local council improving the conditions of the city for its inhabitants.

I really don't care if they are Tory/SNP/Labour or whatever, I get the impression though that some people will be hoping the Tories do as badly as the SNP have done in running EC as a point scoring excercise.Really? This person simply thinks that a party that came fifth in the Council elections in Edinburgh, who lost 8 of their previous 17 seats, should not have a casting vote in how the Council is run. But that's just me.

[Since90+2]

Really? This person simply thinks that a party that came fifth in the Council elections in Edinburgh, who lost 8 of their previous 17 seats, should not have a casting vote in how the Council is run. But that's just me.

To be honest I don't really care how the administration comes about, I'm not that politically motivated, if they do a better job than the previous SNP council then ultimately that's good for the people of Edinburgh.

I'll leave other people to argue if the council's political allegiance is Blue/Red/Yellow/Orange or whatever, do better than the previous lot did and that's good enough for me.

[StevieC]

Can I ask what committees you are on?

Ignore that, I have seen the committees. But an independent as provost?! Actually I think having him on board is a good idea.

Wouldn’t be comfortable discussing on a public message board .. made that mistake last month and then saw it copied to Twitter and get out of control 😂

[Moulin Yarns]

Wouldn’t be comfortable discussing on a public message board .. made that mistake last month and then saw it copied to Twitter and get out of control 😂

No worries, I'll get in touch through official channels if need be. :greengrin I don't think the position of Provost has any more clout but he is one of my councillors.

[He's here!]

I don't think anybody can say Edinburgh Council has been well run the last few years.

Local politics should be separated from national politics, I don't think a Labour/Tory/Lib Dem coalition could possibly be any worse run than the state of EC the last few years.

Agreed. The roads network in particular is the worst I've known it and the spaces for people programme a shambles.

[Santa Cruz]

S27 turnout was 44.8%, down from 46.9% in 2017. Think you asked earlier in the thread, can't muster the effort to look for your OP. Down also in Edinburgh.

[Radium]

Let's hope so, I'd like to see my local council improving the conditions of the city for its inhabitants.

I really don't care if they are Tory/SNP/Labour or whatever, I get the impression though that some people will be hoping the Tories do as badly as the SNP have done in running EC as a point scoring excercise.

West Lothian resident that’s glad to see the immediate impact on roads with the A89 between the arches and Newbridge roundabout finally being sorted. [emoji51]


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[degenerated]

To be honest I don't really care how the administration comes about, I'm not that politically motivated, if they do a better job than the previous SNP council then ultimately that's good for the people of Edinburgh.

I'll leave other people to argue if the council's political allegiance is Blue/Red/Yellow/Orange or whatever, do better than the previous lot did and that's good enough for me.Wasn't it an SNP/labour council?

[degenerated]

As I posted earlier Edinburgh has the worst congestion in the UK and has for years, the fact it's even worse than London is scandalous. That's a major failing of the SNP lead EC the last few years.Is that definitely the case, with London apparently having the worst in the world?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59559863

[degenerated]

Really? This person simply thinks that a party that came fifth in the Council elections in Edinburgh, who lost 8 of their previous 17 seats, should not have a casting vote in how the Council is run. But that's just me.Remember though, Sarwar promised people they would be better off under labour councils. Up to a grand, not to be sniffed at. 2587625877

[Since90+2]

Is that definitely the case, with London apparently having the worst in the world?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59559863

Plenty articles available if you Google "Edinburgh worst congestion". Here's one:

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19007009.edinburgh-named-congested-city-uk-fourth-year-running/#:~:text=Edinburgh%20has%20been%20named%20the,in%2 0peak%20traffic%20in%202021.

Perhaps London has overtaken Edinburgh now, but even if it has, the fact Edinburgh was actually worse than London for 4 years running is indicative of a poorly run council.

[Mr Grieves]

Wasn't it an SNP/labour council?

It was. Both groups wanted to continue with that arrangement but Sarwar has said no and we now have a completely unsustainable situation were labour will rely on the Tories for every vote. Bizarre

[Ozyhibby]

It was. Both groups wanted to continue with that arrangement but Sarwar has said no and we now have a completely unsustainable situation were labour will rely on the Tories for every vote. Bizarre

Given how much teaming up with the Tories in Better Together harmed Labour in 2014 it is surprising to see Sarwar doubling down on this and doing it again. A man who constantly complains about the constitution dominating Scottish politics has now made it a condition that his party only works locally with parties that agree with him on the constitution. No matter what else they may differ on.
Who knows how things will turn out in Edinburgh but this coalition looks unstable especially when the local councillors involved don’t want it but are being forced into it.
I imagine policies like rent control are now dead in the water so it’s not all bad.


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[James310]

I never knew the SNP tried to do a deal with the Tory's.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/edinburgh-council-coalition-talks-snp-leader-adam-mcveys-pitch-to-the-tories-wasnt-all-that-appealing-john-mclellan-3708764

[Ozyhibby]

I never knew the SNP tried to do a deal with the Tory's.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/edinburgh-council-coalition-talks-snp-leader-adam-mcveys-pitch-to-the-tories-wasnt-all-that-appealing-john-mclellan-3708764

You clearly did not read the article.[emoji23]


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[degenerated]

I never knew the SNP tried to do a deal with the Tory's.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/edinburgh-council-coalition-talks-snp-leader-adam-mcveys-pitch-to-the-tories-wasnt-all-that-appealing-john-mclellan-3708764They didn't, the article linked makes that quite clear. They asked to the Tories to abstain and offered nothing in return, as per the the quote from the Tories.

"So, he and some Green councillors went on manoeuvres to see if the Tory group could be persuaded to come to some accommodation without actually offering anything, which seems a strange way to do business."

[Since90+2]

They didn't, the article linked makes that quite clear. They asked to the Tories to abstain and offered nothing in return, as per the the quote from the Tories.

"So, he and some Green councillors went on manoeuvres to see if the Tory group could be persuaded to come to some accommodation without actually offering anything, which seems a strange way to do business."

"They asked the Tories to abstain". Is that not essentially appealing to the Tories to keep them in power, as if they abstained, the SNP would have stayed on if I'm not mistaken?

[degenerated]

"They asked the Tories to abstain". Is that not essentially appealing to the Tories to keep them in power, as if they abstained, the SNP would have stayed on if I'm not mistaken?If you think that's a deal then you seem like the sort of person I could do business with :hilarious

[Ozyhibby]

Any Labour voters out there should read that article. [emoji106]


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[Since90+2]

If you think that's a deal then you seem like the sort of person I could do business with :hilarious

If you could point to where in my post I said it was a deal?

The SNP essentially asked the Tories to keep them in power by abstaining, in theory allowing the Tories to have the casting vote. The exact same thing people are moaning about Labour doing.

[degenerated]

If you could point to where in my post I said it was a deal?

The SNP essentially asked the Tories to keep them in power by abstaining, in theory allowing the Tories to have the casting vote. The exact same thing people are moaning about Labour doing.Labour are giving them paid, executive positions on the council. The SNP asked them a question.

So exactly the same, but different.

[Since90+2]

Labour are giving them paid, executive positions on the council. The SNP asked them a question.

So exactly the same, but different.

The SNP asked the Tories to keep them in power by abstaining. You might not like that, but however you dress it up thats essentially what happened.

[degenerated]

The SNP asked the Tories to keep them in power by abstaining. You might not like that, but however you dress it up thats essentially what happened.The SNP asked them to abstain on the basis that they were the largest party, as is the accepted protocol, and offered the Tories nothing in return.

Labour offered them paid executive positions on the council for their support.

If you choose not to accept that it's not a deal, as per James 310 post I responded too, and that it's not completely different then that's fine with me but i'll stick with the actual factual stuff

[Moulin Yarns]

The SNP asked the Tories to keep them in power by abstaining. You might not like that, but however you dress it up thats essentially what happened.

This is turning out to be the same unsubstantiated argument that the SNP were responsible for Thatcher being elected!!

[Ozyhibby]

This ‘not a coalition’ looks very unstable right from the start. What happens if it breaks down? Do we have another election?


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[Santa Cruz]

You clearly did not read the article.[emoji23]


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I can't, what does it say? I don't even remember reading 2 EEN articles this week, so no idea why I can't view it.

Edit: Apologies, quoted the wrong post. Hope my reply made sense.

[Since90+2]

This ‘not a coalition’ looks very unstable right from the start. What happens if it breaks down? Do we have another election?


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Why don't we just hope it works out and the residents have a good and effective council? I'm a supporter of independence, but it seems to be that lots of folk would rather the whole thing was a shambles so they can strike out at the Tories and Labour.

How about let's see if it works out and our day to day lives are a bit easier with a well run council instead of constant political bickering?

[marinello59]

Why don't we just hope it works out and the residents have a good and effective council? I'm a supporter of independence, but it seems to be that lots of folk would rather the whole thing was a shambles so they can strike out at the Tories and Labour.

How about let's see if it works out and our day to day lives are a bit easier with a well run council instead of constant political bickering?

:top marks

[grunt]

Why don't we just hope it works out and the residents have a good and effective council? I'm a supporter of independence, but it seems to be that lots of folk would rather the whole thing was a shambles so they can strike out at the Tories and Labour.

How about let's see if it works out and our day to day lives are a bit easier with a well run council instead of constant political bickering?
Yeah, quite right. Let's completely ignore the democratic process and have the Council run by people that no one voted for. Let's see if it works. Why not?

[Since90+2]

Yeah, quite right. Let's completely ignore the democratic process and have the Council run by people that no one voted for. Let's see if it works. Why not?

No democratic process has been broken.

It might be you don't like how the coalition has come about, but no rules have been broken, and that is a fact.

You can either continue to moan and complain about it or hope it works out and support the people now in positions of authority.

[overdrive]

Why don't we just hope it works out and the residents have a good and effective council? I'm a supporter of independence, but it seems to be that lots of folk would rather the whole thing was a shambles so they can strike out at the Tories and Labour.

How about let's see if it works out and our day to day lives are a bit easier with a well run council instead of constant political bickering?

This. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I have to say that I’m not exactly happy that the party have made this deal with the Tories (I don’t mind it with the Lib Dems). I’m willing to see how it goes though in the hope the mess Edinburgh finds itself in is improved.

They really need to codify the principle that the party with the most seats gets first refusal at trying to form either a coalition or a minority administration though. That should have been done when STV was introduced.

[Berwickhibby]

This is turning out to be the same unsubstantiated argument that the SNP were responsible for Thatcher being elected!!

Not unsubstantiated…fact was the SNP MPs crossed the floor and sided with the Tories in a vote of no confidence against Callaghan which resulted in a general election which Thatcher won. Before you start, I am fully aware that Labour and Liberal MPs also crossed the floor. However without the 11 SNPs the Tories would not have had a majority to force said election.

[grunt]

No democratic process has been broken.

It might be you don't like how the coalition has come about, but no rules have been broken, and that is a fact.

You can either continue to moan and complain about it or hope it works out and support the people now in positions of authority.

Perhaps there has been no process which has been broken, but what about the principle? Do you think those who voted Labour - on a promise that Labour would not enter into coalition with anyone - would ever wish to see their vote used to give power to the Tories?

Also, what is your hope for success based on? Which policy areas do you think the Tories and Labour will ever agree on?

[grunt]

This. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I have to say that I’m not exactly happy that the party have made this deal with the Tories (I don’t mind it with the Lib Dems). I’m willing to see how it goes though in the hope the mess Edinburgh finds itself in is improved.

Thanks for confirming my impression that Labour supporter would not be happy with this..

I'm intrigued, what action / policy / principle of the Tories gives you hope that their involvement in running Edinburgh will improve things? Presumably if you thought having the Tories run the city you would have voted for them in the first place?

[Since90+2]

Perhaps there has been no process which has been broken, but what about the principle? Do you think those who voted Labour - on a promise that Labour would not enter into coalition with anyone - would ever wish to see their vote used to give power to the Tories?

Also, what is your hope for success based on? Which policy areas do you think the Tories and Labour will ever agree on?

It's not really based on anything to be honest, I'm not saying they'll be a success, I'm simply saying I hope they are as it will benefit the people of Edinburgh. Surely, ultimately that is what the end aim should be?

There are people who would genuinely rather see it fail so they can shout 'Tory Bad!, Labour Bad!". They might not outwardly admit it but they are so engrossed in Tory hating and independence supporting they'd prefer that to it being a success.

[grunt]

It's not really based on anything to be honest, I'm not saying they'll be a success, I'm simply saying I hope they are as it will benefit the people of Edinburgh. Surely, ultimately that is what the end aim should be?I hope you're right. We all hope for better times ahead - we're Hibs fans after all - but I can't see that having the Tories involved in running Edinburgh augurs well.

[Since90+2]

I hope you're right. We all hope for better times ahead - we're Hibs fans after all - but I can't see that having the Tories involved in running Edinburgh augurs well.

The Tories are not running Edinburgh council though, they are part of a 3 party coalition.

[Santa Cruz]

This. I’m a member of the Labour Party and I have to say that I’m not exactly happy that the party have made this deal with the Tories (I don’t mind it with the Lib Dems). I’m willing to see how it goes though in the hope the mess Edinburgh finds itself in is improved.

They really need to codify the principle that the party with the most seats gets first refusal at trying to form either a coalition or a minority administration though. That should have been done when STV was introduced.

I'm not fussed at local level what coalitions are formed, what's important is improving services. If they all stopped the political point scoring and worked together to do the jobs they are actually elected to do, I'm sure they would achieve much more. Agree with your point about the current system needing reformed.

[Moulin Yarns]

Not unsubstantiated…fact was the SNP MPs crossed the floor and sided with the Tories in a vote of no confidence against Callaghan which resulted in a general election which Thatcher won. Before you start, I am fully aware that Labour and Liberal MPs also crossed the floor. However without the 11 SNPs the Tories would not have had a majority to force said election.

A vote of no confidence which won by 1 vote. Note that the SNP were 11 Liberal Democrats 13 as well as the Northern Ireland unionist parties.

Let's not kid ourselves that a minority government stood a chance of winning a vote of no confidence after the Labour Party scuppered the first devolution vote.

[Ozyhibby]

The Tories are not running Edinburgh council though, they are part of a 3 party coalition.

Tut tut. This is NOT a coalition. [emoji849]


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[Since90+2]

Tut tut. This is NOT a coalition. [emoji849]


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And we're back to the political point scoring again...

[Ozyhibby]

And we're back to the political point scoring again...

I wish the new Labour, Lib Dem, Tory ‘not a coalition’ well. I have to live here after all. It’s ok to be a little concerned that this ‘not a coalition’ looks a little bit shaky at the outset and feel a little disappointed that a more stable actual coalition couldn’t have been formed.


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[James310]

I wish the new Labour, Lib Dem, Tory ‘not a coalition’ well. I have to live here after all. It’s ok to be a little concerned that this ‘not a coalition’ looks a little bit shaky at the outset and feel a little disappointed that a more stable actual coalition could have been formed.


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The SNP and Greens have 29 seats, the non coalition of Labour/LD/Tory's have 34 seats. So if anything the SNP/Greens one would have been even more shaky and unstable.

[ronaldo7]

Wasn't it an SNP/labour council?

It was. Labour will now carry the can for Edinburgh's woes. They're in charge. Let's hope they are few and far between.

[Berwickhibby]

A vote of no confidence which won by 1 vote. Note that the SNP were 11 Liberal Democrats 13 as well as the Northern Ireland unionist parties.

Let's not kid ourselves that a minority government stood a chance of winning a vote of no confidence after the Labour Party scuppered the first devolution vote.

Really…. your memory must be slipping, I recall the distain for the Tartan Tories for their behaviour and if I believe 9 lost their seats at the election..but you can dress it up as SNP goooooood as much as you want

[Ozyhibby]

The SNP and Greens have 29 seats, the non coalition of Labour/LD/Tory's have 34 seats. So if anything the SNP/Greens one would have been even more shaky and unstable.

I was more thinking an SNP/Labour/Green coalition.


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[ronaldo7]

Really…. your memory must be slipping, I recall the distain for the Tartan Tories for their behaviour and if I believe 9 lost their seats at the election..but you can dress it up as SNP goooooood as much as you want

You can play the numbers game all you like with this, but to say 11 is bigger than 13 is a new labour low. 😂

Back to school for you. 📚

If only Callaghan had allowed his labour MP, Sir Alfred Broughton to travel and vote from his ambulance in speakers court, he'd have won the vote. Broughton wanted to vote, but Callaghan wouldn't let him. Broughton died shortly after on April 2nd

Or if the pairing of Bernard Weatherill had stood, instead of the labour whip allowing him to vote, Callaghan would have survived.

Too many labour peeps wanting to pin it on the dastardly SNP, instead of looking at their own house first.

All this before you even have a look at the Ulster unionists and the pipeline to Ireland.

[James310]

I suspect a number of the SNP councillors are also quite upset at losing the extra money that comes with the positions of power. Adam McVey for example has gone from nearly £60K a year to about £20K a year, that's going to hurt.

[Berwickhibby]

You can play the numbers game all you like with this, but to say 11 is bigger than 13 is a new labour low. 😂

Back to school for you. 📚

If only Callaghan had allowed his labour MP, Sir Alfred Broughton to travel and vote from his ambulance in speakers court, he'd have won the vote. Broughton wanted to vote, but Callaghan wouldn't let him. Broughton died shortly after on April 2nd

Or if the pairing of Bernard Weatherill had stood, instead of the labour whip allowing him to vote, Callaghan would have survived.

Too many labour peeps wanting to pin it on the dastardly SNP, instead of looking at their own house first.

All this before you even have a look at the Ulster unionists and the pipeline to Ireland.

Deflect deflect …. Not the SNP … look over there it’s all their fault….I also mentioned on my original response about Labour and liberal MPs crossing the chamber along with the Tartan Tories

[JeMeSouviens]

Deflect deflect …. Not the SNP … look over there it’s all their fault….I also mentioned on my original response about Labour and liberal MPs crossing the chamber along with the Tartan Tories

Oh god, not this again.

Should the SNP have voted with the Tories? - No, obviously not. It was essentially a temper tantrum over the devo betrayal.

Did it make any difference given Lab had 4 months left to call an election? No, **** all difference, Thatch was coming anyway.

Hope that helps.

[Berwickhibby]

Oh god, not this again.

Should the SNP have voted with the Tories? - No, obviously not. It was essentially a temper tantrum over the devo betrayal.

Did it make any difference given Lab had 4 months left to call an election? No, **** all difference, Thatch was coming anyway.

Hope that helps.

I was originally responding to MY who raised the subject suggesting the incident was unsubstantiated…when it’s actually a fact.

[ronaldo7]

Deflect deflect …. Not the SNP … look over there it’s all their fault….I also mentioned on my original response about Labour and liberal MPs crossing the chamber along with the Tartan Tories

I never said it wasn't the SNP, however they weren't alone. If only Callaghan was a sharper mover and shaker we wouldnt have got the red Tories.

Count from 1 to 13, and see if you pass 11. 😂😂

[Since90+2]

If I was now part of running EC the first thing I would do is fix the absolute shambolic mess the SNP lead council have the roads in. Get that sorted first and they will hopefully get some goodwill from residents of the city.

[Moulin Yarns]

Oh god, not this again.

Should the SNP have voted with the Tories? - No, obviously not. It was essentially a temper tantrum over the devo betrayal.

Did it make any difference given Lab had 4 months left to call an election? No, **** all difference, Thatch was coming anyway.

Hope that helps.

That's what I remember. Had Labour not derailed the devolution vote with the 40% amendment from the right honourable member for Islington then the SNP MPs would probably have voted with Labour or abstained.

Labour, reap what you sow.

[Moulin Yarns]

I was originally responding to MY who raised the subject suggesting the incident was unsubstantiated…when it’s actually a fact.

It's only a fact if you ignore the fact Labour scuppered the devolution vote.

Reap what you sow.

[Just Alf]

If I was now part of running EC the first thing I would do is fix the absolute shambolic mess the SNP lead council have the roads in. Get that sorted first and they will hopefully get some goodwill from residents of the city.Agreed, I know roadworks aren't technically ALL the council's fault but there doesn't appear to be any wider co-ordination to prevent diversions etc also being hit with roadworks :-(

[Ozyhibby]

If I was now part of running EC the first thing I would do is fix the absolute shambolic mess the SNP lead council have the roads in. Get that sorted first and they will hopefully get some goodwill from residents of the city.

Says every council tax payer in every city in the UK.


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[Mr Grieves]

If I was now part of running EC the first thing I would do is fix the absolute shambolic mess the SNP lead council have the roads in. Get that sorted first and they will hopefully get some goodwill from residents of the city.

TBH I don't think much will change with roads policy in that the best way to solve congestion in Edinburgh is reducing the number of cars on the road. I think there'll be continuing emphasis on active travel/public transport and introduction of an LEZ/other traffic deterring measures,

[Since90+2]

Says every council tax payer in every city in the UK.


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It's already been shown earlier on this thread that Edinburgh's roads are amongst the worst in the UK and have been for years. I don't know why you can't bring yourself to admit it has been a massive failure of the SNP lead council.

[Berwickhibby]

It's already been shown earlier on this thread that Edinburgh's roads are amongst the worst in the UK and have been for years. I don't know why you can't bring yourself to admit it has been a massive failure of the SNP lead council.

Because it’s an unwritten Holy Ground rule that you cannot criticise the SNP :wink:

[ronaldo7]

Because it’s an unwritten Holy Ground rule that you cannot criticise the SNP :wink:

I've often heard of the .net myth. This is it.

[Ozyhibby]

It's already been shown earlier on this thread that Edinburgh's roads are amongst the worst in the UK and have been for years. I don't know why you can't bring yourself to admit it has been a massive failure of the SNP lead council.

The congestion is getting worse because the govt, all govts btw, are trying to force people out their cars onto public transport. This is happening everywhere just now. I’m supportive of it which is why I’m not fussed about it. And I doubt the new BT council will change that either. So you might be disappointed again in 5 years time.


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[Stairway 2 7]

I've often heard of the .net myth. This is it.

You'd probably get less of a pile on criticising hibs than the snp sometimes. It's understandable when the vast majority of prominent posters are pro snp. I think alot of people think if you criticise snp in any way it's anti independence or could be used to effect the referendum. I suppose that's right in a way, although it's unfair as independence isn't about the snp or any one party. Some also find it galling when the worst government in living memory are in Westminster

[ronaldo7]

You'd probably get less of a pile on criticising hibs than the snp sometimes. It's understandable when the vast majority of prominent posters are pro snp. I think alot of people think if you criticise snp in any way it's anti independence or could be used to effect the referendum. I suppose that's right in a way, although it's unfair as independence isn't about the snp or any one party. Some also find it galling when the worst government in living memory are in Westminster

It's just that their argument is rather flimsy at times. 😂

[Stairway 2 7]

It's just that their argument is rather flimsy at times. 😂

I agree. It's also generally small points that are against the snp. Even the anti snp posters, say more along the lines of name the good they have done, rather than point to any bad. Where as on the tories we say, name the good they have done as here is 300 **** ups

[James310]

Alex Massie with a good summary of the last week and the local election shenanigans.

"An opinion poll unkindly timed to coincide with Nicola Sturgeon becoming Scotland’s longest-serving first minister suggested last week that, despite everything, she has made precisely no progress towards achieving her administration’s defining mission. As matters stand, 45 per cent of Scottish voters support independence and 55 per cent oppose it.

All that energy, all that huffing and puffing and manoeuvring and whining, has produced nothing of any obvious consequence. Despite Brexit, despite Covid-19, despite Boris Johnson, the people of Scotland are unmoved. For now, we are back where we were when Sturgeon became first minister in 2014. Everything is different but nothing has changed.
This being so, one wondered how the nationalists would mark the occasion. The answer, it became clear, was by changing the subject. It is, you see, a disgrace — a copper-bottomed scandal — that across large swathes of Scotland other political parties are ganging up on the poor old SNP. The nationalists have discovered that winning the most council seats in the recent local government elections is not the same as owning the right to form council administrations.

So the cry goes up: “It’s not fair.” Not fair that other parties are running minority administrations or, in some areas, even semi-formal coalitions designed to exclude the SNP from power. Not fair that other parties are declining to give the SNP everything they want. Not fair that Labour and the Liberal Democrats and even, sometimes, the Conservatives are working together.

It is true that Labour is at least half-breaking promises not to form pacts or coalitions with other parties. But what of it? I rather doubt voters paid much attention to these vows before the local elections and I am confident very few care about them now.

Still, “Anas [Sarwar] would be better just owning it,” Sturgeon tweeted. “Denying what people can see with their own eyes — ie Labour administrations that are only possible with Tory support — makes him seem shifty and gives [the] impression he thinks voters are daft, which just compounds the strategic political error.”
If anyone is treating voters as simpletons here it is the first minister. She served in a minority Scottish government that passed its budgets thanks to a deal with the Tories. If that was good enough for the SNP at national level it is good enough for Labour at a local level.

No other party behaves like this. Nobody else dispenses strategic political advice to other parties on the grounds the poor boobies are too thick to understand their own best interests. Nobody else assumes that other parties are floundering in the fog of false consciousness just waiting for the gift of nationalist enlightenment. As with many SNP affectations this performative outrage would be highly amusing if it weren’t so exhausting.

Once again, however, we may note that the SNP has thoroughly become the Labour party it supplanted as Scotland’s pre-eminent political party. The same shrill sense of entitlement; the same incomprehension anyone might reasonably take a different view on anything; the same lumpen-brained intolerance. The transformation is complete; four legs good, two legs better.
All of which, as so often, requires Olympian standards of mental gymnastics. For instance, we are asked to take seriously the proposition that people who voted for Labour candidates in the council elections will be appalled to discover that Labour is now running a series of minority administrations across Scotland. These voters will be sickened by the prospect of getting at least part of what they voted for. Labour has been on the back foot for so long that I fancy the party’s supporters will be enjoying all this nationalist frothing. Not for the first time, I detect the hand of Jackie Baillie — who both loves to wind-up the SNP and is good at it — playing a part in Labour’s new appreciation for political chicanery.

Granted, Labour has come to a series of accommodations with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats but, rather than whining about this, the SNP should perhaps ask why — even at a local level — other parties are typically disinclined to work with the nationalists. One answer is that SNP council leaders are less likely to take a stand against a Scottish government simultaneously starving local government of funds and circumscribing its responsibilities.

And, gosh, the nationalists’ inconsistency is as pungent as their bed-wetting. In Dumfries and Galloway, the Conservatives won the greatest number of seats but have been frozen out by everyone else. Labour and the SNP councillors have been appointed co-leaders and will require the support of independents and the sole Lib Dem elected in the southwest. Oddly, we hear no pious screeching from Sturgeon about this assault on democracy.

Nor, for heaven’s sake, should we. Multi-member wards elected by the single transferable vote are designed to make power-sharing at council level the norm. Winning a plurality of councillors is not enough; all that matters is cobbling together some kind of working arrangement that may carry majority support. Cross-party deals are proof of the system working, not its failure.

But according to Adam McVey, the outgoing SNP council leader in Edinburgh, the new “Lab/Tory/Lib coalition is held together by nothing more than a burning hatred of the SNP and a carve-up of jobs”. Well, that “nothing more” is more than enough to bind the new administration together. In any case, your bins don’t care about the constitution and the capital’s filthy streets provide ample justification for regime change at the council headquarters.
Voters actually like the idea of different parties working together for the common good. Many council responsibilities are largely impervious to ideological distinction and it could easily be argued that local government suffers from too much in the way of normal party politics rather than not enough of it.

Nobody ever went broke underestimating Scottish politics’ enthusiasm for juvenile — and jejune — posturing, however. Still, the first minister likes to give the impression she is somehow above all that, but the truth is she is as addicted to dubious point-scoring and truth-melting absurdity as anyone else. Since governments — and political parties — take on the qualities of those leading them, it is no surprise that here, as elsewhere in these isles, the rot begins at the top.

[Ozyhibby]

Alex Massie with a good summary of the last week and the local election shenanigans.

"An opinion poll unkindly timed to coincide with Nicola Sturgeon becoming Scotland’s longest-serving first minister suggested last week that, despite everything, she has made precisely no progress towards achieving her administration’s defining mission. As matters stand, 45 per cent of Scottish voters support independence and 55 per cent oppose it.

All that energy, all that huffing and puffing and manoeuvring and whining, has produced nothing of any obvious consequence. Despite Brexit, despite Covid-19, despite Boris Johnson, the people of Scotland are unmoved. For now, we are back where we were when Sturgeon became first minister in 2014. Everything is different but nothing has changed.
This being so, one wondered how the nationalists would mark the occasion. The answer, it became clear, was by changing the subject. It is, you see, a disgrace — a copper-bottomed scandal — that across large swathes of Scotland other political parties are ganging up on the poor old SNP. The nationalists have discovered that winning the most council seats in the recent local government elections is not the same as owning the right to form council administrations.

So the cry goes up: “It’s not fair.” Not fair that other parties are running minority administrations or, in some areas, even semi-formal coalitions designed to exclude the SNP from power. Not fair that other parties are declining to give the SNP everything they want. Not fair that Labour and the Liberal Democrats and even, sometimes, the Conservatives are working together.

It is true that Labour is at least half-breaking promises not to form pacts or coalitions with other parties. But what of it? I rather doubt voters paid much attention to these vows before the local elections and I am confident very few care about them now.

Still, “Anas [Sarwar] would be better just owning it,” Sturgeon tweeted. “Denying what people can see with their own eyes — ie Labour administrations that are only possible with Tory support — makes him seem shifty and gives [the] impression he thinks voters are daft, which just compounds the strategic political error.”
If anyone is treating voters as simpletons here it is the first minister. She served in a minority Scottish government that passed its budgets thanks to a deal with the Tories. If that was good enough for the SNP at national level it is good enough for Labour at a local level.

No other party behaves like this. Nobody else dispenses strategic political advice to other parties on the grounds the poor boobies are too thick to understand their own best interests. Nobody else assumes that other parties are floundering in the fog of false consciousness just waiting for the gift of nationalist enlightenment. As with many SNP affectations this performative outrage would be highly amusing if it weren’t so exhausting.

Once again, however, we may note that the SNP has thoroughly become the Labour party it supplanted as Scotland’s pre-eminent political party. The same shrill sense of entitlement; the same incomprehension anyone might reasonably take a different view on anything; the same lumpen-brained intolerance. The transformation is complete; four legs good, two legs better.
All of which, as so often, requires Olympian standards of mental gymnastics. For instance, we are asked to take seriously the proposition that people who voted for Labour candidates in the council elections will be appalled to discover that Labour is now running a series of minority administrations across Scotland. These voters will be sickened by the prospect of getting at least part of what they voted for. Labour has been on the back foot for so long that I fancy the party’s supporters will be enjoying all this nationalist frothing. Not for the first time, I detect the hand of Jackie Baillie — who both loves to wind-up the SNP and is good at it — playing a part in Labour’s new appreciation for political chicanery.

Granted, Labour has come to a series of accommodations with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats but, rather than whining about this, the SNP should perhaps ask why — even at a local level — other parties are typically disinclined to work with the nationalists. One answer is that SNP council leaders are less likely to take a stand against a Scottish government simultaneously starving local government of funds and circumscribing its responsibilities.

And, gosh, the nationalists’ inconsistency is as pungent as their bed-wetting. In Dumfries and Galloway, the Conservatives won the greatest number of seats but have been frozen out by everyone else. Labour and the SNP councillors have been appointed co-leaders and will require the support of independents and the sole Lib Dem elected in the southwest. Oddly, we hear no pious screeching from Sturgeon about this assault on democracy.

Nor, for heaven’s sake, should we. Multi-member wards elected by the single transferable vote are designed to make power-sharing at council level the norm. Winning a plurality of councillors is not enough; all that matters is cobbling together some kind of working arrangement that may carry majority support. Cross-party deals are proof of the system working, not its failure.

But according to Adam McVey, the outgoing SNP council leader in Edinburgh, the new “Lab/Tory/Lib coalition is held together by nothing more than a burning hatred of the SNP and a carve-up of jobs”. Well, that “nothing more” is more than enough to bind the new administration together. In any case, your bins don’t care about the constitution and the capital’s filthy streets provide ample justification for regime change at the council headquarters.
Voters actually like the idea of different parties working together for the common good. Many council responsibilities are largely impervious to ideological distinction and it could easily be argued that local government suffers from too much in the way of normal party politics rather than not enough of it.

Nobody ever went broke underestimating Scottish politics’ enthusiasm for juvenile — and jejune — posturing, however. Still, the first minister likes to give the impression she is somehow above all that, but the truth is she is as addicted to dubious point-scoring and truth-melting absurdity as anyone else. Since governments — and political parties — take on the qualities of those leading them, it is no surprise that here, as elsewhere in these isles, the rot begins at the top.

Fair play to Massie, he’s consistent. And he has made a fortune repackaging the same article multiple times a months for more than 10 years.


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[James310]

Fair play to Massie, he’s consistent. And he has made a fortune repackaging the same article multiple times a months for more than 10 years.


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In what way? It's all stuff about the last few weeks.

[marinello59]

Fair play to Massie, he’s consistent. And he has made a fortune repackaging the same article multiple times a months for more than 10 years.


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I cant stand Massie. .
That’s a fair piece though no matter how uncomfortable it makes those of us who are pro-indy feel.

[danhibees1875]

Weird one to think about on a Saturday night... With the SNP out of Edinburgh council does that mean the proposed tourist tax will no longer happen?

(Most relevant thread I could find)

[ronaldo7]

Weird one to think about on a Saturday night... With the SNP out of Edinburgh council does that mean the proposed tourist tax will no longer happen?

(Most relevant thread I could find)

No idea, but the bins are overflowing...Anas, where are you?