The Labour and Scottish National Parties have agreed to form the next coalition administration running City of Edinburgh Council, it was announced this morning.
Although intense negotiations to establish an all-party alliance broke down, the new coalition partners say they 'will work with other groups in the interests of the people of Edinburgh'.
'A Labour–SNP coalition will now provide the stability and certainty needed to move Edinburgh forward,' commented Labour Group leader Andrew Burns (right).
SNP Group leader Steve Cardownie said: 'Our economic policies are almost one and the same and we are confident they will deliver for the people of the city'.
Labour will nominate candidates for Leader and Lord Provost, whilst the SNP will do the same for Deputy Leader and Deputy Lord Provost. Who fills these positions will be agreed at the first meeting of the new Council on Thursday 17 May.
Following the election, the relative sizes of the parties are as follows: Labour 20, SNP 18, Conservatives 11, Greens 6, Liberal Democrats 3.