Leader of city council forced out

Kate Dean had previously refused to stand down

The leader of Aberdeen City Council has been ousted after facing a storm of controversy over millions of pounds of cuts to the city's budget.

Kate Dean has been replaced as Lib Dem group leader by her colleague John Stewart.

Mr Stewart was appointed late on Monday night following an election by the 15 Liberal Democrat councillors.

Aberdeen City Council is currently run by a Liberal Democrat/Scottish National Party coalition.

The deposed leader - who refused to stand down last year - told BBC Scotland: "I didn't stand down but the group have taken a decision."

'Tougher personality'

She said the important issue was continuing to work for the council's recovery.

New leader Mr Stewart said: "I am a different type of personality, a tougher personality maybe."

Council deputy leader Kevin Stewart explained he had had a "close working relationship" with the former leader, and predicted: "I am sure the relationship with John will be in the same vein.

"We have a job to do, to get this city back on a firm financial footing."

Labour councillor Willie Young said of the ousted leader: "I think her legacy will be failure unfortunately."