Scottish Labour has been slammed after the party hinted it could work with a hard-line Unionist in order to take power on one of the country's largest local authorities.
The SNP won the most councillors in North Lanarkshire following last week's elections but faces being unable to take office as it does not have a majority.
The local Labour party - which won 32 councillors, four fewer than the Nationalists - last night announced it would seek to form a minority administration.
That would involve asking the other parties on the council to vote in favour of Labour taking charge at Motherwell Civic Centre.
There are five Conservative councillors, two independents, one Green and one member of the British Unionist Party (BUP).
Jim Logue, the Labour leader in North Lanarkshire, insisted his party would not join a formal coalition with any other party - but did not rule out asking for BUP support.
"As in 2017, the Labour group will seek to form a minority administration in North Lanarkshire to build on our impressive track record in housing, education, anti-poverty initiatives and fighting government cuts," he said.
"It is not our intention to enter into a coalition with any party, nor have we sought to do so in the days since the election.
"We will ask all 77 members to support our Labour minority administration next week."
The BUP was formed in December 2015 but had never won an election until John Jo Leckie was returned in the Fortisatt ward, which covers the town of Shotts.
The party is opposed to devolution and the granting of any further powers to Holyrood.
Jordan Linden, leader of the SNP group on the council, told the Record: "This statement from Labour defies belief - but more than that, it defies the expressed views of the people of North Lanarkshire.
"People voted for change on May 5, for the SNP to be the largest party on the council, and to reject the Tories.
"Despite this, Labour are relying on the Tories and the BUP to cling onto power.
"No matter what is said about this not being a deal - it is clear from the Labour party that they are reliant on the support of these parties to form an administration.
"Our council, its workforce, and local people, need stability and clarity of direction – a Labour minority administration, cobbled together with these parties, does not provide that stability."
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