Liberal Democrats end 23 years of Labour rule in Edinburgh as new administration is agreed

5.45.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th May 2007

The 17 strong Liberal Democrat council group, which will now lead an administration in running Edinburgh City Council

In what has been described as the start of a new era for the city, the Liberal Democrats, now the largest party on Edinburgh City Council, has come to an agreement with the SNP group to form a council administration.

Following the elections on May 3rd, the make up of Edinburgh City Council was

LibDem 17

Lab 15

SNP 12

Con 11

Green 3

Since no one party has an overall majority, two or more parties are required to come together to form an administration. The Liberal Democrat and SNP groups have now agreed to do this, ending 23 years of Labour control.

Despite repeated efforts by Liberal Democrat councillors, the three Green Party councillors refused to take part in any meaningful discussions about being part of the administration.

The Partnership is founded on the democratic principles of trust, equity, openness and fairness, and is committed to delivering the highest quality of services to all the people and communities of the city.

The Partnership is committed to assuring and supporting a prosperous and sustainable future for Edinburgh and its citizens, so that:-

• its economy is managed sustainably and successfully,

• its image is promoted globally as a welcoming Capital city, open and democratic;

• the importance of its heritage and environment is recognised;

• it has an atmosphere of safe, green and clean living spaces;

• its communities are fully involved in decisions which affect them and local democracy is enlarged;

• its disadvantaged groups and vulnerable individuals are supported;

• individual citizens have the maximum opportunity to realise their full potential;

• accessible, flexible and cost effective services are provided for all;

• it is characterised by a listening and empowering Council, which is getting the basics right;

• the Council's existing City Vision and new Corporate Plan objectives are implemented;

• it is business friendly

Major policy commitments include fundamental changes to the governance of the city, replacing the existing Executive with a streamlined committee system and an altered emphasis in several areas of existing service provision. Detailed plans and implementation proposals will be developed by the Partnership as it begins to operate in practice.