Talks to establish a coalition to run East Renfrewshire Council will take place this week.

The SNP has become the largest party on the council for the first time after enjoying success in Thursday's local government election.

No party stood enough candidates to secure a majority, with 10 required, but the SNP’s return of six councillors means they have the highest share on the council.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, the SNP group leader in East Renfrewshire, confirmed his party would be entering talks over a coalition in the coming days.

Labour, which had ruled alongside the SNP in a coalition for the last two terms, had five councillors elected. The Conservatives also took five seats.

Danny Devlin, an independent who also formed part of the ruling coalition, and David Macdonald, also independent, were elected too.

Councillor Buchanan said it was an “historic result” for the SNP.

“For the first time, we are the largest party on the council, with six fantastic councillors," he added. "The result is a strong rejection of Boris Johnson’s Tories and a clear endorsement of our positive vision for a fairer, greener East Renfrewshire.

“The result gives us a strong mandate to continue delivering for people across East Renfrewshire as the leading partner in a new administration.

"We will be entering talks in the coming days to ensure that we form a stable administration which will maintain East Renfrewshire’s reputation as one of the best places to live in Scotland.”

All five Labour candidates who stood for election on Thursday will take their place in the council chamber.

Paul O’Kane, Labour MSP for West Scotland and deputy leader of East Renfrewshire Council until his election to Holyrood last year, hailed the result as “real progress” for his party.

He also said the Labour group were “very pleased to have made a significant gain” as Andrew Anderson was elected in Newton Mearns South and Eaglesham.

Mr O'Kane added: “Every Labour candidate was elected. We held four and gained in Newton Mearns South and Eaglesham.”

Although he made it clear that the make-up of any coalition would be a matter for the new councillors, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had already said there would be no formal coalitions with the SNP or Conservatives ahead of the election.

Mr O’Kane said the five Labour councillors will "work very hard” and “do what’s right for the people of East Renfrewshire.”

This term, they will be focused on the completion of ongoing capital projects, such as the planned Eastwood Leisure Centre, and on addressing the cost-of-living crisis, he added.

The turnout in East Renfrewshire was 53.4%.

Councillors elected:

Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor

Angela Convery, SNP

Betty Cunningham, Labour

Danny Devlin, Independent

Chris Lunday, SNP

Ward 2: Newton Mearns North and Neilston

Tony Buchanan, SNP

Andrew Morrison, Conservatives

Owen O’Donnell, Labour

Ward 3: Giffnock and Thornliebank

Colm Merrick, SNP

Mary Montague, Labour

Gordon Wallace, Conservatives

Ward 4: Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood

Kate Campbell, Conservatives

Annette Ireland, SNP

David Macdonald, Independent

Katie Pragnell, Labour

Ward 5: Newton Mearns South and Eaglesham

Andrew Anderson, Labour

Caroline Bamforth, SNP

Paul Edlin, Conservatives

Jim McLean, Conservatives