SNP remains biggest party in Scotland as Conservatives drop to 3rd place

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) – Scottish National Party (SNP) remains the biggest party in Scotland as all votes have been counted in the local council elections held on Thursday.

Scottish Conservatives, meanwhile, lost their second place to Labour after losing big ground.

The SNP won a total of 454 council seats, consolidating their position, while Scottish Conservatives were losing 62 of such seats held previously, winning 215.

Labour Party made gains to win 219 seats, increasing the number by 19.

Lib Dems and Greens also increased the number of council seats they held.

As the SNP came out strongly from the local elections, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to reveal plans for a second independence referendum dubbed indyref2. She has previously insisted that the referendum be held by the end of 2023.