Douglas Reid declared himself satisfied after the SNP were returned as the single-biggest party within East Ayrshire Council today.
The Nationalists secured 14 seats with Labour in second place on 10 and the Conservatives third with four. Independents, including the Rubbish Party's Sally Cogley, also claimed four as 32 councillors were elected in total.
Ruling as a minority administration before the local elections, the SNP find themselves in a similar position after it and will now speak to other members to see what agreements can be reached.
However, Labour's John McGhee is also planning on making advances, insisting his party will not be bystanders when the next administration is formed.
Outgoing Conservative group leader Tom Cook – who admitted Prime Minister Boris Johnson was an "issue" as he reflected on a "disappointing" performance – said it would be for the Tory quartet to decide how best to move forward.
Councillor Reid, leader of the last administration, told Ayrshire Live: "We've won the most votes, most seats and we're really satisfied with the performance.
"We fielded 17 candidates and got 14 in. Some of the independent candidates in the wards were formidable opponents and it came down to who people gave their second votes to.
"Overall, we're quite happy and positive about the position. We're the largest party and we'll be discussing with other parties to see where we go but we're confident we can lead the authority and we'll try to do that.
"We will rule nothing out apart from a joint-administration with the Conservatives. We're always open to discussions. We're at the stage of entering those discussions."
Meanwhile, Labour's Councillor McGhee told Ayrshire Live: "I'm obviously delighted with the increase in our vote and the 10 candidates which we have got elected. I think we put out a positive message on the doorstep.
"How we work going into the future remains to be seen but as in the past, I think I have proved as leader of the Labour group that I've been prepared to work across the council. Hopefully that can continue.
"If we could [form part of the next administration] then yes, that would be a goal. Definitely. We've already had some initial conversations, as you would expect, but there is nothing concrete.
"We want to be playing some sort of active role going forward into the next administration."
The Conservatives' day was summed up by the surprise loss of the experienced Jon Herd who was not returned in Kilmarnock East and Hurlford.
Mr Cook, who served as a councillor for 15 years before standing down, told Ayrshire Live: "We're disappointed to not get the same number of councillors back in or even improve on that number from the last time.
"I think there are a number of factors working here. Obviously there is the Boris issue but there were also a number of independents and people decided to vote for them rather than a party because they felt they would do a bit better.
"People may have been saying they won't vote for the Conservatives because of what is going on nationally but we won't vote for another political party, we will vote for an independent.
"It's over to the new team to carry on. We will see what the make-up of the council is and see if there are any deals to be done. You can do more as part of an administration but you can still do a lot if you're not."
At the Galleon Centre, there was an early SNP gain in Ward 2 Kilmarnock North with Elaine Cowan and David William Richardson elected at the expense of Ian Grant, a former Conservative councillor, but standing as a non-affiliated candidate.
Ward 4 Kilmarnock East and Hurlford delivered a shock with the defeat of Mr Herd as enthusiastic independent Graham Boyd pulled off an impressive triumph to get in.
In Ward 7 Ballochmyle, Labour disappointment was obvious as the SNP delivered both candidates with Alyson Simmons holding on to her seat for the Tories. Linda Holland was elected for the red rose party but running mate Stephen McCarron came up short.
However, Ward 8 Cumnock and New Cumnock produced a surprise with the SNP's Jacqui Todd ousted as Labour took two seats through Billy Crawford and June Kyle. The SNP's Jim McMahon was returned and the Conservatives rounded it out with Neil Watts, who will look to continue Walter Young's work in the area.
All eyes were then on Ward 9 Doon Valley, the last to declare, with John Bell – standing as an independent after quitting the SNP – failing to get re-elected but punters stuck with Drew Filson while Labour and the SNP were also victorious.
The list of elected councillors in each ward in East Ayrshire is as follows...
Ward 1 – Annick
Elected: John McFadzean (CON), John McGhee (LAB), Stephen Canning (SNP), Ellen Freel (IND)
Ward 2 – Kilmarnock North
Elected: Elaine Cowan (SNP), Maureen McKay (LAB), David W Richardson (SNP)
Ward 3 – Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse
Elected: James Adams (CON), Lillian Jones (LAB), Iain Linton (SNP), Douglas Reid (SNP)
Ward 4 – Kilmarnock East and Hurlford
Elected: Barry Douglas (LAB), Graham Barton (SNP), Graham Boyd (IND), Neal Ingram (SNP)
Ward 5 – Kilmarnock South
Elected: Peter Mabon (LAB), Clare Maitland (SNP), Jim Todd (SNP)
Ward 6 – Irvine Valley
Elected: Beverley Michele Clark (SNP), Kevin McGregor (LAB), Sally Cogley (RP)
Ward 7 – Ballochmyle
Elected: Linda Holland (LAB), Claire Leitch (SNP), William Lennox (SNP), Alyson Simmons (CON)
Ward 8 – Cumnock and New Cumnock
Elected: Billy Crawford (LAB), June Kyle (LAB), Jim McMahon (SNP), Neil Watts (CON)
Ward 9 – Doon Valley
Elected: Drew Filson (IND), Jennifer Hogg (SNP), Elaine Stewart (LAB)
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