Aberdeen City Council have announced that the SNP and Liberal Democrats have struck up a deal to lead the city council as a coalition as their combined 24 members gave them an outright majority in the Town House chamber.
Alex Nicoll, SNP Group leader, said:
“People in Aberdeen have voted for leadership that will work for them. Our partnership will aim to tackle the issues that are important to Aberdonians.
We will deliver the services that people deserve from their council, help give children the best start in life and work to combat poverty.
We will also play our part in delivering a socially and economically just transition away from oil and gas, striving to make our city the net zero capital of Europe.”
With net zero being high on the agenda for government at all levels, this coalition’s goal is likely to be popular. Aberdeen has a reputation as the “energy capital of Europe” so if they are able to make the transition away from oil and gas energy and into carbon neutrality then they can become an example for councils around the United Kingdom.
Some of the issues that are relevant to the UK Government’s Levelling Up White Paper were also touched upon by Councillor Ian Yuill:
“Aberdeen and the city council faces major challenges in the years ahead. The Liberal Democrats are committed to working in this partnership to deliver for Aberdeen’s citizens.
We will work to provide the best possible education in modern buildings, to help citizens through the cost-of-living crisis, improve transport and roads, and work to meet global environmental challenges.”
Should the goals be achieved, then Aberdeen will prove a success story as both of the key ambitions outlined are backed by the government as they look to not only achieve net zero, but also ‘level up’ the city to end any regional inequalities and improve the standard of living for residents whilst also providing opportunities in both areas for businesses, both local and in the wider community.
