LABOUR councillors will not form part of the new Moray Council administration.
Following talks yesterday group leader John Divers said making deals behind closed doors would be a betrayal of the people of Moray.
Sean Morton was elected for the first time in the Fochabers Lhanbryde ward in Thursday’s election, and joins Councillor Divers (Elgin South) and Elgin North councillor Barry Jarvis who both retained their seats.
Councillor Divers said: "I have been approached over the weekend by both the Independent group and the SNP group with a view towards seeking some sort of coalition deal. I have not had discussions with the Tories.
"My colleagues and I have decided not to pursue these advances.
"Five years ago we took a similar decision when we declined any involvement in the administration, deciding to instead judge each issue on the merits of the case and what was in the best interests of the people of Moray.
"In the elections last week we stood on a platform of openness and transparency and in doing deals behind closed doors would be a betrayal of the electorate and is not our style.
"We do not seek office, or a chain of office, but we will work tirelessly in the interests of the people of Moray as Labour always does."
