Cllr Murray Lyle has promised a new era at Perth and Kinross Council after the Tory group booted the Lib Dems out of the administration.
Speaking this week to the PA, the council leader was adamant the council is “not in chaos” and feels optimistic the new regime is “the best way forward for the people of Perth and Kinross.”
The Conservative group this week parted company with the four Lib Dems from the coalition administration.
The group will instead lead with a minority administration of 15 councillors outnumbered by an opposition of 25 councillors.
The opposition now comprises one Labour councillor, two suspended Tories, three independent councillors, four Lib Dems and 15 SNP councillors.
Cllr Lyle maintains the future is “not set in stone” and believes the Tory group could win back more councillors through the likes of by-elections.
He says they are not entering into “any relations with other councillors” and will “work on each issue on a case by case basis with other councillors where practicable.”
He said: “It’s a difficult scenario. With any new structure, there will be bumps on the road, I have no doubt, but I am optimistic we will be on a more settled position.”
Cllr Lyle did not wish to say much about the decision to cut loose of the four Lib Dem councillors from the coalition partnership but did concede the situation was “becoming challenging”.
He said: “We [the Conservatives] had a meeting where various proposals were put forward and we decided that this was the best option to pursue to allow the smooth running of PKC.
“We are not in chaos. We are working in a new regime. I am optimistic now.”
Cllr Lyle passionately believes this is the best option for the people of Perth and Kinross in order to have the “best services possible for PKC.”
He added: “It’s a feasible way forward. I do not do it with any angst to any other colleagues.
“Hopefully it will work for us. I am hopeful there will be more consensus across the chamber going forward.”
Cllr Lyle last week told the PA he was considering stepping down as leader along with many other options.
This week he revealed the broad consensus from his group was that he continue as leader.
But he added: “It’s not about me. It’s about doing more for the people of Perth and Kinross.”
