The Lochee Ward councillor was in a bullish mood as he launched a spirited defence of his decision to resign from the Labour group on the city council.

He claims he has been trying to convince Labour to allow the SNP to share power for two years and firmly rejected any suggestion his move was motivated by personal gain.

“I told them long before the election, on three occasions in fact, that the SNP should be included.

“It is a long-held view of mine that Dundee City Council conveners should be compiled from all the parties.

“The voting system of proportional representation has changed the spectrum of politics in this country and we cannot stick to the old dogmas like before.

“It is not right that half the people in this city are denied having their representatives in proper positions of power. It is not wise and it is not fair either.”

When asked how he would respond to accusations his decision was primarily motivated by a desire to remain in the role of Lord Provost he said he believed the public would know this was not the case.

“There will be people who think that, and there will be people who suggest it, and I will just have to live with that.

“But I spoke to my family and they told me I had their support and they believed in me and that is enough for me.

“I am not so naive as to think everyone will share that view but I am prepared for that and I have got a feeling that the majority of people will be with me.

“But that doesn’t mean I am not aware of what is coming down the road at me. I will keep my position as Lord Provost, but that is not the point.”

He added that he was not aware how the SNP would set up any possible administration and he felt he had done what the electorate would have wanted.

“I have worked for years for the Labour Party and eight years as Lord Provost,” he said. “For anybody to suggest I have to do anything I am told (by the party) is not on.

“If we don’t have the opportunity to do and say what we think is right, it is a very bad time indeed in this city.”