Labour has swept to power on Fife Council thanks to the support of the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.
And the SNP have been consigned to opposition, despite having the most councillors following the May 5 election.
The outcome has been branded “a very dark day for democracy in Fife”.
And Fife SNP leader David Alexander described the move as “political chicanery on an embarrassing scale”.
However, Labour leader David Ross insisted the minority administration was in the best interests of the people of Fife.
He said: “We have the support necessary to pull together a consensus for the next five years.”
Labour suffered their worst-ever election result in Fife, returning 20 councillors.
In contrast, the SNP finished with 34 seats – the best result in their history in the region.
But Thursday’s first full council meeting of the new term saw the 13 Lib Dem and eight Conservative members back the Labour bid for power.
There is no formal coalition and any motion will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
‘This is the worst stitch-up I’ve ever seen’
Fife is not the first Scottish council where Labour have formed an administration with support from other pro-UK parties.
The party was accused of “doing a dirty deal” with the Tories in South Lanarkshire earlier on Wednesday.
And it has now provoked outrage among SNP members, both in Fife and nationally.
Looks like @FifeCouncil is heading for a #BritNat coalition of the smallest minority parties. Be careful what you wish for! pic.twitter.com/irohhfPnQX
— Douglas Chapman MP 🏴 (@DougChapmanSNP) May 19, 2022
Glenrothes SNP councillor John Beare said it was unjustifiable.
He said: “I’ve seen some shameful and anti-democratic shenanigans in this chamber in my 16 years.
“But this is the worst stitch-up I’ve ever seen.
“Those who support it and and those who enable it should hang their heads in shame.”
Just a wee reminder that this is how Fife voted ⬇️@theSNP WON in Fife.
🟡 SNP +5 seats
🔴 Labour -4 seats
🔵 Tories -7 seatsThe SNP are the only party with a mandate from the Fife people to lead an administration in @FifeCouncil pic.twitter.com/ULOIVPeOmW
— Cllr Stefan Hoggan-Radu (@stefanhoggan) May 18, 2022
Meanwhile, Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville accused Labour of sneaking into power with “a craven backroom deal”.
And Glenrothes SNP MP Peter Grant added: “The most vile, corrupt and cruel government in living memory is being helped into key positions all through Scottish Local Government thanks to the Labour Party.
“Scotland will not forget and will never forgive.”
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman agreed, stating: “This is a complete stitch-up and completely betrays communities across Fife who voted to keep the Tories out.”
SNP do not have support of other parties
However, Liberal Democrat councillor Jonny Tepp hailed the outcome “a huge opportunity to work together”.
He said: “After careful listening to Labour and the SNP over the last week, we came to the conclusion that Labour had the best grasp of the need for change.
“Some councillors have suggested it’s a grand alliance. It’s no such thing.
“And there’s been a suggestion our support is a result of gerrymandering. It’s no such thing.
“Our intention is to work collaboratively and constructively with a Labour minority administration for the best for the people of Fife.”
And Conservative councillors pointed out the SNP may be the biggest party but it would still need support to pass policies in the council chamber – support it doesn’t have.
Cowdenbeath member Darren Watt said: “The people of Fife just want action on what’s important – bins, roads and schools.
“They don’t want hostility and nasty, derogatory words.”
Labour and the SNP shared power in Fife during the last five-year term.
However, Labour leader David Ross said he could not enter the same arrangement this time.
“We actually increased our share of the vote in this election but lost a number of seats,” he said.
“The fact we have to seek support from the chamber on an issue-by-issue basis is a strength, not a weakness.”
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