Edinburgh Greens back SNP Coalition, but Labour approve minority with Lib Dem backing
It's still unclear who will be in administration in the City of Edinburgh Council after two separate agreements were backed tonight
Last updated 24th May 2022
It's all set to be a dramatic full council meeting on Thursday, as it'll finally be decided which parties will hold the power in Edinburgh for the next five years.
It'll be exactly three weeks since the city went to the polls.
The Edinburgh Greens have backed a coalition with the SNP, with 97% of their members voting for the agreement.
But at the same time Labour's executive committee has approved plans for a minority administration - with the Lib Dems supporting the party on an issue by issue basis.
This all boils down to full council on Thursday, where the Conservative group could actually hold the casting vote - despite being the smallest of the groups in the Chamber.
Co-convenor of the Green Councillor group Claire Miller said;
"I'm very pleased that individual members of our Party have overwhelmingly supported this exciting agreement. It has a clear vision for a fairer, greener and more inclusive City and packed with strong commitments on housing, transport, equality and the climate emergency.
"It's an agreement for everyone in Edinburgh particularly those who voted for social justice and climate justice and we look forward to proposing it to the council on Thursday."
Lib Dem Councillor Louise Young said: “Where we agree with Labour Councillors, we will vote with them where we disagree and believe they are taking the wrong approach, we will say so and vote accordingly."
The SNP won the most seats in the election earlier this month with 19. Next was Labour with 13, closely followed by the Lib Dems with 12, then the Greens with ten and then the Tories with 9.
A total of 32 seats are needed for majority, meaning a combination of either the SNP and the Greens, or Labour and Lib Dems isn't enough to win a vote.
Meaning the Conservatives have an opportunity to play tie breaker. Of course the group could also chose to abstain come Thursday.