Having laid the groundwork for their own defenestration as Scotland’s dominant political force, it’s hardly surprising that Labour’s relationship with the SNP can be like two rival Bully XLs.

Then again, with little difference in philosophy except over independence, neither should it be a shock when they find ways to work together. But like divorcing spouses, what was once a happy marriage can easily descend into bitterness when one feels betrayed by the other.

And so to the City of Edinburgh Council, and the now vicious warfare between the two former coalition partners since Labour’s Scottish leadership decreed the arrangement should end and the SNP was turfed out of office.

Since the SNP won the most seats in the 2022 election, the now ex-SNP group leader Adam Nols-McVey had expected to carry on as city leader, impossible without support from either the Labour or Lib Dem groups. But having been shut out thanks to the Lib Dems and evil Tories backing a minority Labour administration, the last four years have been characterised by one ugly spat after another.

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Relations are unlikely to improve after Labour’s surprise victory in Thursday’s Southside by-election, one of two following the resignation of two SNP councillors after their election........

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