Labour is to take control of West Dunbartonshire Council again as a minority administration.

At a meeting requisitioned by the Labour group, it was agreed that the party would take control after a coalition failed to come forward.

Labour resigned its leadership in August following the decision from two councillors to quit the party.

The SNP group are being asked to form an administration after the decision to elect a Provost from the party who would have the casting vote and 'prevent a future Labour budget from being approved.'

However, as no coalition came forward Labour group leader Martin Rooney moved to have Labour form the administration until December.

Councillor Gordon Scanlan, SNP group leader, said: “The council recognises that there is no SNP alliance and almost every council in Scotland operates by a minority administration.

"Council also recognises that as the group with the greatest numbers it is for Labour to fulfil their mandate and lead the council.

"Minority administration requires compromise and more collegiate working than simply running as a majority but it is achievable and can lead to better outcomes for our communities."

Following this, Rooney agreed it would be 'tough' to run as a nine-member minority but that they would have to work together.

Rooney said: "At the August council, the Labour group of councillors indicated their intention to step down from the political leadership to allow the SNP and the opposition councillors to form an administration.

"It's clear that neither a Labour coalition nor an SNP coalition is forthcoming so an alternative solution needs to be found as a matter of urgency.

"The uncertainty over the political leadership is a real concern for the public and our staff therefore council agrees the following: that we need to work together in the best interests of the people of West Dunbartonshire.

“In the short-term, the Labour group of councillors will take on responsibility for the political leadership until the December council meeting while working arrangements are put in place that demonstrate the new minority administration can cooperate with members to deliver the vital services and financial sustainability that the council requires.”

Councillor Danny Lennie, who quit the Labour Party in August 'queried' what would happen in December and asked: "In December, are we going to find ourselves without an administration again?"

Councillor James Bollan also chimed in with his concerns about what he claimed could be a "deal done behind the scenes" between the two parties.

Scanlan denied that this was the case.