Steve Cardownie beats off threat to SNP leadership
Councillor Cardownie, who has led the city council SNP group since 2007, was challenged by Cllr Sandy Howat in a close-fought election at the City Chambers last night.
The veteran city politician won by a comfortable majority of five votes. Seventeen SNP councillors attended the AGM, with former economic development convenor Tom Buchanan being the only absentee due to illness.
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Hide AdBoth candidates gave short presentations before the vote was taken. An insider said: “There is no rift or division within the party, it’s a healthy democratic process.
“Steve and Sandy even enjoyed a pint afterwards to show there was no bad blood.”
Last year Cllr Cardownie saw off a challenge from ex-Lothians MSP Stefan Tymkewycz by 14 votes to four.