COUNCIL leader Bobby McGill has resigned from the post ahead of the Labour party's budget tomorrow.

The long-serving councillor took over in June last year, but resigned the leadership yesterday after the Labour Group fractured over the issue of council redundancies.

Councillor McGill told the Advertiser: "I've been very clear on the direction I wanted to take the council.

"As leader of the administration I have to be able to take my group with me, but I've been unable to do that.

"And if I can't then the honourable thing to do is to step down and let others take over.

"I have to accept that my view is not prevailing; it's very frustrating, but the blame lies with me.

"The majority won't support me, so I have to step back."

Cllr McGill would not be drawn on who his replacement is likely to be, but the a new appointment will be made at tomorrow's budget meeting.

The resignation was unveiled in a brief report submitted to elected members by the council's chief executive Elaine MacPherson.

It reads: "I received Councillor McGill’s resignation as council leader on 21 February, 2017.

"The provost was consulted on bringing this report as an urgent item to the meeting to be held on February 23.

"The provost agreed that because of special circumstances the item should be discussed as a matter of urgency, those circumstances being that the council should not be without political leadership.

"Council is, therefore, invited to appoint a new leader."