Labour lost overall control of one of the councils in its heartlands yesterday while still emerging as the biggest party.

South Lanarkshire, covering towns such as East Kilbride, Hamilton and Larkhall has been a traditional Labour stronghold, with tight trade union links.

The Scottish Parliament still returned four constituency Labour MSPs, including two executive ministers - Tom McCabe and Andy Kerr - despite a strong SNP challenge.

In the council elections, the strong showing by the SNP together with the new PR voting system was enough to translate votes into seats with a large Labour majority of 31 disappearing overnight. Labour lost 19 councillors and the SNP gained 15 and the Tories four.

In 20 multi-member wards, Labour ended up with 30 seats to the SNP's 24. The Conservatives are in third place with eight and the LibDems with two. Three independents complete the 67-strong council.

Coalition talks are now likely to take place, with Labour needing the support of the LibDems and independents to provide a majority of just three or attempt a minority administration. The SNP, if it were to govern, would need Tory support and also either the LibDems or Independents.

The highest profile councillor to lose out was John McGuinness in Cambuslang. He was a key figure in the administration as deputy business manager.

Labour leader Eddie McAvoy was back in winning form in his seat in Rutherglen, but whether he leads the new administration remains to be seen.

SNP group leader Archie Buchanan was returned in East Kilbride South, along with fellow SNP councillor Douglas Edwards to lead a larger opposition.

12:13am Saturday 5th May 2007

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