Labour and tories join forces

LABOUR is to form a new administration in West Lothian in coalition with the Tories.

Conservative Tom Kerr accepted an offer from Labour that will see him reinstated as Lord Provost in return for support for a Labour-led administration.

Following last week’s election, Labour have 16 councillors and the SNP 15. Councillor Kerr is the only Conservative member and there is one independent.

The SNP last night said it was “extremely disappointed” at the development.

SNP councillor Peter Johnston told the Evening News: “We out-polled Labour across West Lothian and strengthened our position in every ward yet the vagaries of the electoral system delivered 15 SNP councillors as compared to 16 for Labour.”