SNP gathers support for Aberdeenshire takeover

The SNP's taken a big step towards taking over Aberdeenshire council.

They've done a deal with the two Labour and two independent councillors who quit the administration last week.

One of them's former deputy leader Martin Kitts-Hayes, who blamed leader Jim Gifford for the crisis.

He says Councillor Gifford's style was "dictatorial" and he showed a lack of respect towards the Labour members.

The new deal wouldn't give the SNP coalition a majority, but talks are still being held with two more councillors which could tip the balance - Democratic Independent Martin Ford and the Green Party's Paul Johnston.

They say they'd support a new administration, if it was committed to improving public services, protecting the environment and supporting local communities.