LGIU Scotland statement: State of the Locals in Scotland – the results

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland said: 

“It’s a challenging set of election results for the Scottish Conservatives with the loss of 61 seats. Labour, the SNP, the Liberal Democrats all benefited from this and will all have some cause for satisfaction. The SNP gaining seats as the party of government, Labour moving into second place and the Lib Dems and Greens building their councillor base.

This national picture is relatively straightforward and was widely predicted. Beneath it the local picture is considerably more complex and changeable.

The nature of the Scottish electoral system means that relatively small changes in seat numbers completely alter the possibilities for coalition. Adding to the mix a changing of the guard, with numerous councillors including leaders and depute leaders stepping down, we feel these elections represent a real reset moment in Scottish local government.

We can expect intense negotiations over the coming days and small differences will add up to big changes at a local level.”

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About LGIU Scotland LGIU Scotland is a policy information service dedicated to local government across Scotland. We work to inform our members by providing practical, up-to-the-minute intelligence on policy issues. Our services help public servants make policy, support residents and work more effectively with colleagues.