Council leader set to retain role

Mr Parker looks set to retain his role as council leader

Plans for a Conservative, Lib Dem and Independent coalition to run Scottish Borders Council have been unveiled.

A deal has been agreed which would see David Parker remain as council leader despite his Independent group suffering heavy losses in recent elections.

The previous administration on the authority was formed by a Conservative and Independent coalition.

The nominations are subject to ratification at the first meeting of the new council on 17 May.

Under the proposals, the post of deputy leader would be shared by Liberal Democrat Alec Nicol and Conservative Neil Calvert.

Biggest loser

Cllr Nicol and Cllr Calvert have been nominated to head the human resources and finance committees respectively.

The Independent group was the biggest loser on election night when Mr Parker was one of just five councillors elected - compared to 13 in the previous administration.

The SNP won six seats and the Lib Dems 10, while the Tories remained static with 11 councillors.

The new Borders Party also secured two seats - one in Galashiels and the other in Leaderdale and Melrose.