An SNP-led coalition has taken control of Aberdeenshire Council after a special meeting.
It replaces the Tory-led administration which included Liberal Democrats, Labour and Independent councillors, but suffered four resignations.
The council will now be led by 'The Partnership', which comprises the 28-member SNP group and the four-strong 'Progressive Alliance' between Scottish Labour and Progressive Independent Councillors.
At the meeting last night the SNP's Hamish Vernal and Allison Grant were elected Provost and as Deputy Provost respectively. Independent Martin Kitts-Hayes and Richard Thomson, SNP, were appointed as co-leaders of the council.
Mr Thomson said "The SNP group has played a constructive role over the past three years as the main opposition. However, we have always said that we stood ready to help form an administration should the opportunity arise. Together with our partners, we've stepped up to that responsibility today.
"There's much to do in Aberdeenshire in terms of making sure our council is delivering for our residents as well as it can, while ensuring fairness in what are still difficult financial times. We're confident we'll be able to work together effectively and that collectively, we'll rise to the challenge."
Conservative Jill Webster, who had been provost, said: "I am undoubtedly very sad, because I have put my heart and soul into the role. It feels like a stab in the back."
Meanwhile a new minority independent administration is taking over the Highland Council following the Liberal Democrats walking out on the SNP/LibDem/Labour coalition.
The councils composition is: Independent 34, SNP 21, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour 8, Highland Alliance five , Non-aligned one.
Despite independent councillors being in a majority, the SNP formed the ruling administration with Lib Dems and Labour in 2012. But the LibDems said they found working with the SNP increasingly difficult and what was needed was people prepared to speak out and hold the SNP Scottish Government to account.
But despite negotiations between the LibDems and the Independents, the latter will form the administration supported by the SNP "on certain issues".
The council meets on Thursday to decide who takes over the different roles in the new administration.
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