Edinburgh Council's SNP-Labour coalition facing fewer rebellions as virtual debate calms the free spirits – Steve Cardownie

It would seem that the restrictions currently in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic may have led to more peaceful times for the coalition in Edinburgh’s City Chambers.

Group Leaders Councillor Adam McVey (SNP, left) and Councillor Cammy Day (Labour, right) sign the coalition agreement at the City Chambers (Picture: Greg Macvean)

Remote meetings via Microsoft Teams are now the order of the day and the lack of councillors meeting in one of the committee rooms has apparently had a calming effect on some coalition detractors.

Before video conferencing they were all too ready to defy administration policy and proclaim to the world (or the Evening News at any rate) that they were acting out of principle, upholding the banner of democracy and boldly marching towards the next election as rebellious free spirits intent on seeking a fresh mandate from the electorate to plough a sole furrow, unencumbered by the responsibilities of coalition and compromise.

I have taken the opportunity to follow some of the council debates online and it does not make for particularly riveting viewing, apart from trying to read the titles on the books of the shelves in the backdrop of some councillors who would have us believe that they are well-read academics. Unfortunately, Harry Potter doesn’t quite cut it.

That’s if the technology is working that is, as it often appears that one or two councillors in particular spend more time wrestling with it as they ever do with their conscience.

Alas Microsoft Teams does not offer much opportunity to grandstand however as it is nigh on impossible to impress your fellow group members when you are sitting in your living room wi’ the erse hingin’ oot yer favourite jammies!

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