THE Labour-SNP Capital Coalition which runs Edinburgh Council is set to continue as the administration despite the resignation of a third SNP councillor yesterday.

Claire Bridgman, one of the members for the Drum Brae/Gyle ward, stood down for undisclosed reasons, becoming the third member of the SNP group to quit since the party achieved its highest number of seats on the council in the elections in May last year.

The National understands that Bridgman, who could not be contacted last night, will remain a councillor and sit as an independent. Her resignation makes no difference to the control of the council as the Capital Coalition was already in minority control.

The resignation does mean, however, that the Conservatives are now the largest group on the council with 17 members, though they have suffered their own resignation within the last month when Cllr Ashley Graczyk quit the group saying the Tory government’s policies on benefits were “incompatible with her beliefs and conscience”.

Bridgman’s departure from the group follows that of fellow SNP councillors Lewis Ritchie and Gavin Barrie and it is no secret in the City Chambers that the now 16-member SNP group has been split on a number of internal issues.

Barrie claimed he was ousted by inexperienced councillors and one SNP source told The National of an “unpleasant atmosphere” at times.

Bridgman is also the wife of former councillor Mike and the family were known to be unhappy at the way he was treated at the last selection process which effectively cost him his seat.

Council and SNP group leader Adam McVey told The National: “I appreciate Claire has had a difficult year and I’d like to thank her for her contribution to the strength of the SNP group over the last year.

“My door remains open and I hope to see Claire rejoin the SNP again when she feels able to do so.”