THE authority has long enjoyed a diverse political make-up. With no overall control, some 15 independent and 10 Conservative councillors made up the administration in 2003. There were also eight LibDem members and a single SNP councillor.

That was seen as a sign that the council was becoming increasingly party political. Twelve years ago, there were 30 independents out of 34 councillors. However, a row over budget mismanagement brought a significant gain of some nine seats for the Tories four years ago.

In May, there will be 11 wards contested, with 34 councillors due to be elected. The council's plan to build more housing to help fund the reinstatement of the Waverley railway route to Edinburgh will come under scrutiny. This has led to the formation of the Borders Party, set up against major housing plans, windfarms and the extension of the Borders.

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