New Glasgow City Council leader makes pledge as SNP takes control

The SNP has formally taken charge of Scotland's largest council for the first time ever, with new leader Susan Aitken pledging her administration will not let the city of Glasgow down.

Ms Aitken was elected unopposed as the new leader of the council when members met for the first time since the May 4 local government elections.

Labour has been in charge of Glasgow since 1980 and Ms Aitken said afterwards on Twitter she was “proud & grateful to lead the first @theSNP City Government for Glasgow”.

She will lead 39 SNP councillors in a minority administration at Glasgow City Council, which will have support from the Scottish Greens, who have seven representatives.

David McDonald was appointed depute leader of the authority, with Eva Bolander, a native Swede, chosen as the city's Lord Provost

Ms Aitken pledged to residents: “We won't let you down, Glasgow.”

Green councillor Martha Wardrop looked forward to the new administration, saying: “For too long there has been a disconnect between the voters and those who held power in Glasgow City Council.

“Now, with an agreement won by the Greens, Glasgow City Chambers is set for the biggest radical democratic overhaul in a generation.

“It became clear during the council election that voters have become tired of one party dominating in Glasgow for so long.

“So, with that in mind, we've worked hard to reach a solution that ensures better, more representative decisions, prevents the SNP from repeating mistakes of previous administrations and acting as if they have a majority.”