North Lanarkshire’s former SNP administration says the change of council control just three months after May’s election “ignores residents” and the largest party’s “democratic mandate”.

They hit out after Labour won back power in Scotland’s fourth-largest authority by a single vote after the second-placed group gained the support of the five Conservatives and the British Unionist member, as well as defecting councillor Michael Coyle.SNP leader Tracy Carragher called it “yet another power grab”; while Councillor Coyle’s former Airdrie South party colleague Paul Di Mascio called on him to resign and contest a by-election, saying he was “appalled and outraged”.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The vital vote at Thursday’s meeting to elect a new council leader – following the resignation of previous SNP leader Jordan Linden after sexual harassment allegations – ended 38-37 to see Labour wrest back control by a single vote.A continued SNP administration was supported by Green member Claire Williams and independent Robert McKendrick; while Airdrie independent Alan Beveridge abstained and Labour member Bill Shields was absent from the vote.

Councillor Carragher told Lanarkshire Live: “People will be rightly furious at yet another power grab by Labour, in cahoots with their longest-standing allies in the

SNP group respond to loss of control in North Lanarkshire

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