However, it looks as though the administration is clutching at straws in their attempts to stay in power as Mr Letford today made a resolute defence of his decision to resign in an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph see story on page 2).

Councillor Keenan told the Tele today the Lord Provost’s position did not make sense, as he had publicly stated a desire for an administration in Dundee in which the talents of all the parties on the council were harnessed.

He said Mr Letford’s decision to vote with the SNP as an Independent councillor would simply mean all the power of the authority shifting into the hands of one party, instead of the current situation, where two groups shared responsibility.

Councillor Keenan said, “John has made his choice, but what it achieves is the complete opposite (of his intention).

“He wants everybody in the pot together, but ultimately he is granting the overall position to the SNP. His move delivers the complete opposite of his stated objective.”

He continued, “It has been a coalition of a number of different people with a number of different talents — exactly what John is saying — but obviously he thinks he is now safe in some way now he has moved towards the SNP.

“I walked into the chamber with my head held high and my head is still high. I don’t see any problem with what anybody has done — I just accept it is politics and it is the way things have happened.

“I don’t see any bitter pill to swallow — I just accept the way things are and we get on and do our bit in opposition.”

The Labour group will still attempt to hijack the SNP’s bid to grab power at a special meeting of the council on Monday with an alternative proposal that would see Councillor Ian Borthwick take over the role of Lord Provost and Councillor Liz Fordyce become his deputy.

Councillor Keenan added, “We will give some consideration to our position and what we propose. I am really surprised the SNP are looking towards a Labour councillor as Lord Provost.

“I see Liz Fordyce being pushed out at the next election, and I would have thought that at least they would have wanted to honour Liz in some way.”

Councillor Borthwick today said the infighting and uncertainty surrounding the future administration was bad for the city and should be set aside.

Mr Borthwick is still in favour of an all-party administration and will attempt to raise the proposal even though he knows it is doomed to failure given the cut-throat nature of the city’s political scene right now.

He said, “I have expressed sincerely a certain view (for an all party administration). The likelihood of that occurring is diminishing, but nevertheless I feel totally bound to at least raise the issue and seek that avenue to explore.

“I think it is absolutely important for all members — bearing in mind the critical situation we face in this city on many fronts, not least the economy — that we go the extra mile to do our duty to the people.

“We should make every effort to submerge political differences and personality conflicts which clearly exist. The continuation of that can only weaken our resolve to do our best and do our duty to our people.

“I have a role to discharge and will discharge it to the best of my ability in the interests of the city. I will do everything in my power to maintain the dignity of the office.”

The council is now made up of 14 SNP members, eight Labour, three Conservatives, two Liberal Democrats and two Independents.