The SNP group in Edinburgh have nominated Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Robert Aldridge, for the senior role of Lord Provost, in a formal motion submitted today.
The decision has been made public amid much speculation about who would take the role as civic leader of the city, but it has to be said that many have suggested the veteran Drum Brae/ Gyle councillor.
The SNP is the largest group with 19 councillors and, alongside the 12 Liberal Democrats, only one more vote would be required to secure the appointment for Cllr Aldridge.
As the longest serving councillor in Edinburgh, with over three decades of experience, the SNP believe he would effectively chair council meetings and serve as the city’s Lord Lieutenant.
The SNP group have been in formal negotiations with Green councillors about forming a minority administration. An agreement was finalised over the weekend and will go to Green Party branch members on Tuesday night for a decision on whether to proceed. If it is approved, then it is expected that the SNP and Greens will put forward a joint list of appointments to senior council roles, including council leader, at the full council meeting to be held at the City Chambers on Thursday.
Before the political appointments are made the council meeting has to first appoint the role of Lord Provost. This is not a political position but is influential, deciding important matters of procedure and representing the city.
Cllr Adam McVey, leader of the SNP on the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We have worked hard with the Green group to develop a coalition proposal which delivers on both our manifestos, and will make our city fairer, greener and more inclusive.
“If our joint proposal is approved on Tuesday by Green branch members, we believe we can form an administration that will meet the challenges we face as a city and deliver on our promises to residents.
“But we also recognise that as a minority administration we will need to work constructively. As a long standing and experienced councillor we think Robert would be an excellent choice for civic leader. He will facilitate respectful dialogue between councillors which will be needed to help us reach consensus.
“He has worked cross-party in the past to deliver the best outcomes for our city. So we would like to start building that much needed consensus now, by backing him to become the Lord Provost.”
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