LABOUR is facing virtual wipe-out in the forthcoming local elections with its control of local authorities cut from 13 to two, according to new polling results.

For decades the party has dominated local government in Scotland, but a report by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) suggests it is on the verge of being swamped by the Scottish National party.

The SNP, which currently only controls one local authority, will take charge of the largest number of councils, winning in six areas, according to researchers Lewis Baston and Dr Martin Steven.

They based their findings on polling for the Scottish parliament elections and the fact that first past the post will be replaced with proportional representation in the council ballot this year. According to their research, Labour will retain control of only Glasgow and North Lanarkshire councils.

The findings mean that even if McConnell remains as first minister he could face widespread resistance from councils to Scottish executive measures that affect them.

“This is going to get rid of a lot of cobwebs in the old Labour town halls and bring more scrutiny and debate to them. It will be an amazing cultural change,” said Gerry Hassan, a political analyst.

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