Aberdeenshire Council - SNP and Progressive Alliance reach agreement with Democratic Independent Group

The SNP and the newly-formed Progressive Alliance on Aberdeenshire Council have reached an agreement with the Democratic Independent Group, which will allow the groups to press ahead with forming a new administration for the authority.

The agreement to work together on a 'confidence and supply' basis means that the combined groups will have the support of 34 Councillors in the chamber, meaning that a new administration will have the necessary support to change the current council leadership, to appoint new committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs and to pass its annual budget.

Commenting following the agreement, SNP Group Leader Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“We're delighted that after some intensive negotiations over the past few days, we have been able to reach an agreement with the Democratic Independent Group which reflects the broad and progressive policy consensus across our respective groups.

“It's clear that together, we now have the numbers required to effect an orderly change of administration in Aberdeenshire and that's what we aim to do. We'll be taking advice from the Chief Executive in the days ahead on how best to now proceed.”