LABOUR has given up the ghost of retaining power at one of Scotland's biggest councils and is fielding only enough candidates for a Tory coalition deal, rivals claims.

With the full list of those standing in each local authority now published, Labour is to field 32 candidates in its stronghold of South Lanarkshire, one short of what is required for an outright win.

The SNP is fielding 37 candidates.

Labour said it was basing its strategy on how many it believed it could win under the single transferable vote system, adding that the multi-party council had never had an outright majority in its 20 year history. It is currently run by a Labour minority administration, which is supported by the Tories.

But the SNP, which many believe could take the reins of the council, the country's fifth biggest by population, said it was "obvious that Labour are not even trying to retain control of the administration".

Sheena Wardhaugh, the SNP group on the council's deputy leader, said: "Even if they were all elected, which is not going to happen, they would not have overall control. For instance they are fielding three candidates in Larkhall and have no chance of three being elected there, plus many doubts in other wards. The aim is clear, another Labour/Tory coalition.

"Do you really want Labour and Tory back in bed together in South Lanarkshire causing problems for our residents especially the most vulnerable who need the most support?"

A Labour source told The Herald there were no assumptions about any coalitions with any parties on the council, adding: "Thirty-two is exactly half the total number with that number there’d be no need for a formal deal to function as an administration, especially considering the multi-party opposition."

A spokesman said: "Council elections work under a system of proportional representation and local parties make decisions about the number of candidates to field.

"In South Lanarkshire, Labour candidates stand the best chance of beating the SNP whose candidates are fixated on a second, divisive, referendum. Only Labour has a plan to move South Lanarkshire forward, standing up for the NHS and focusing on delivering the valued, quality local services people need and want such as schools and social care."

Even if Labour are to take control, the area, which starts at Rutherglen just south of Glasgow and includes many rural areas, will have a new leader, with the veteran Eddie McAvoy standing down.