YOU reported: "It is understood the threat of an SNP victory in Glasgow is so real that deals between the city's Labour leadership and the Liberal Democrats over a potential coalition are well advanced." ("SNP's warning in battle over Labour heartlands", The Herald, January 2).
There have been no discussions between me and the leader of the Labour Group in the City Council about a coalition after the May election, nor have any colleagues had such discussions.
My position on pre-election talks about coalition is the same as the party's nationally. It is for the voters to decide who should take control of Glasgow City Council. In the event of no party winning a majority, the party that wins most seats has the right to try to form an administration; it may wish to talk to other parties about arrangements for carrying on the council's business. As no-one knows which party that might be, there is no justification for pre-election talk about deals.
Paul Coleshill, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Glasgow City Council.
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