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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Lib Dems leave SNP-led Highland Council coalition | Lib Dems leave SNP-led Highland Council coalition |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The Liberal Democrats have walked out of the SNP-led coalition running Highland Council. | The Liberal Democrats have walked out of the SNP-led coalition running Highland Council. |
| The SNP formed the ruling administration with the Lib Dems and Labour in 2012. | The SNP formed the ruling administration with the Lib Dems and Labour in 2012. |
| Lib Dem group leader David Alston said the group had found it increasingly difficult to work with the Nationalists. | Lib Dem group leader David Alston said the group had found it increasingly difficult to work with the Nationalists. |
| The SNP has not commented on the situation but local MP Drew Hendry said the Lib Dems were "self destructing". | The SNP has not commented on the situation but local MP Drew Hendry said the Lib Dems were "self destructing". |
| Lib Dem and Independent councillors have started exploring the possibility of forming a new coalition. | |
| Mr Alston told BBC Radio Scotland that his group had become increasingly uncomfortable being in coalition with the SNP. | |
| He accused Nationalist councillors of being unwilling to speak out against the Scottish government on issues such as the use of armed police in routine duties and NHS funding. | |
| Mr Alston said: "I think we need a few more wild flowers. | |
| "In political terms that means people who are prepared to put their head above the parapet, to engage in debate and not simply accept everything is a party line." | |
| Mr Hendry, who had led Highland Council's SNP group before he was elected as an MP, has tweeted: "Just heard about the Lib dem shenanigans @HighlandCouncil. Looks like the Lib Dems in Highland want to finish the job of self destructing." |